Brazil star Neymar broke down in tears as he claimed the challenge that ended his World Cup could have left him paralysed. The Barcelona forward, 22, fractured a vertebra in his spine when kneed in the back by Colombias Juan Zuniga during Brazils 2-1 quarter-final win. Brazil lost the semi-final 7-1 to Germany. Speaking at a news conference, Neymar said: God blessed me. If it had been another two centimetres I could be in a wheelchair today. Zuniga apologised to Neymar and Fifa said no disciplinary action could be taken because the incident was spotted and dealt with by referee Velasco Carballo on the pitch. Neymar said Zuniga called him the next day to say sorry but he stopped short of forgiving the Colombian for the challenge. I dont hate him. I dont hold a grudge, said Neymar. But I dont feel anything. Its difficult to talk about a move that ended happening in such an important moment of my career. I wont say he came to injure me. I dont what was going on in his head but everyone who understands football can see that it wasnt a normal challenge. Neymar left Brazils training camp by helicopter on Saturday but returned to the mountain city of Teresopolis, near Rio, on Thursday ahead of Brazils third-place play-off match against Netherlands on Saturday. And he revealed he hopes Brazils rivals Argentina beat Germany in Sundays World Cup final for Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano. On Messi he added: Hes won almost everything and I think he deserves to be champion and I am cheering for him to be champion. He is my team mate and my friend.
Posted on: Fri, 11 Jul 2014 02:15:22 +0000
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