Eden Hazard has demanded more protection for star players at the World Cup after Neymar issued an emotional update on his injury lay-off.
Neymar was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia in their first World Cup game on Thursday. The Paris Saint-Germain man was then pictured in tears on the bench, whilst images of his swollen ankle began to circulate on social media after the game.
The Brazilian superstar has been ruled out of his nation’s next group game against Switzerland and it is almost certain he will also miss the following group clash against Cameroon. Neymar and his international teammate Danilo have both been ruled out with ankle injuries.
Neymar has now posted an injury update on his social media stream in which he spoke of his pride of playing for his nation. For many Brazil fans, the update will draw unwelcome parallels with Neymar being ruled out of the semi-final of their home World Cup against Germany eight years ago.
“The pride and love I feel wearing the shirt is inexplicable,” Neymar posted on Instagram, alongside a picture of him lining-up for the Brazil national anthem. “If God gave me the opportunity to choose a country to be born in, it would be BRAZIL.
“Nothing in my life was given or easy, I always had to chase after my dreams and my goals. Never wishing someone harm but helping those in need. Today has become one of the most difficult moments of my career… and again in a World Cup!
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“I have an injury yes, it is annoying, it is going to hurt, but I'm sure I will have a chance to come back because I'll do my best to help my country, my teammates and myself. Long wait for the enemy to take me down like this? Never! I am the son of the god of the impossible and my faith is endless.”
Neymar’s injury has been discussed by Belgium playmaker Hazard, who has demanded that referees at the tournament offer more protection to star players. While he admitted it was part of the game, he called for greater sanctions from officials.
“I always say if there is a foul on me it means I have the ball, so it’s a good sign, it’s part of my game,” Hazard told a press conference. “More players with the ball like me, like Neymar, like Vinicius Junior, we can receive fouls. We have to deal with it. There is no problem, it’s part of the game.
“I just hope opponents can have yellow cards more often than now, because then they will stop the fouls. But it’s part of the game, if you don’t want to get fouled don’t get the ball, that’s it.”
