Close to 16 days after the world cup Russia, Brazil international and PSG forward Neymar has admitted that he over exaggerated fouls against him pledging however to repent and turn over a new leaf.
The 26- year-old who had a dramatic recovery from injury ahead of the World cup was tipped to be among the players that will lead his side to the finals in Russia, but the former Barcelona ace and his samba brothers bowed out in the quarterfinals after losing 2-1 to Belgium at tha Kazan Arena.
Neymar who scored twice at the showpiece tournament after recovering from a broken foot sustained in February was a regular target of criticism for his theatrics and behaviour on the pitch, and was subsequently left outof the shortlist of FIFA Best awards
Neymar used as sponsor’s advertisement with personal care products manufacturer Gillette took the criticisms in good fate and is determined to make amends
“You may think I overreact, and sometimes I do. But the truth is I suffer on the pitch. You have no idea what I go through outside of it.
“When I leave without talking to the press, it’s not because I only like winning, it is because I still haven’t learned to disappoint you.
“When I look impolite, it is not because I am a spoiled kid. It is because I have not learned how to deal with my frustrations.
“There’s still a boy inside of me. Sometimes it dazzles the world. Other times, it pisses everyone off. And my fight is to keep this boy alive.
“You may think I’ve fallen too much, but the reality is I fell apart. And that hurts more than anyone stepping on your operated ankle.
“I took time to accept your criticism. I took time to look at myself in the mirror and become a new man. But now I’m here, with my heart wide open.
“I fell but only those who fall can get up. You can keep throwing rocks at me or you can throw your rocks away and help me get up because when I do get up, the whole country gets up with me.”