Ronaldo has urged Neymar not to retire from international football following Brazil's exit from the World Cup.
The Selecao crashed out of the tournament on penalties against Croatia following a 1-1 draw after extra-time, with Neymar striking the opener for Brazil. However, Bruno Petkovic equalised with three minutes to play to set-up a shootout - the third at the Qatar World Cup and Croatia's second after they beat Japan in the last-16.
It proved to be another successful experience for Croatia as they secured a 4-2 win on penalties after scoring all four of their spot-kicks, with Rodrygo and Marquinhos missing for Tite's men. Neymar cut an emotional figure after the game and he even revealed in his post-match interview that he is considering his international future.
Neymar said: "I want to take time to think about the national team and think about what I want for myself. I am not closing the door on the national team, but I am not saying 100 percent either that I will come back. I feel really bad at this moment. It is hard to take in everything that has gone on."
However, Brazil legend Ronaldo has hit back at Neymar and doesn't want the Paris Saint-Germain star to quit playing for his country. Neymar will be 34 the next time the World Cup is played in 2026 when USA, Canada and Mexico host the competition.
"I think Neymar is very upset with the result of the World Cup for the Brazil national team," the legendary striker told AP. "It’s normal that he’s feeling that way for now, but I’m also sure that he will come back stronger and continue playing with the national team.
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"I’m very happy that he showed the world a commitment for the last six months, for the Brazil national team. He behaved himself. He took care of himself."
It proved to be a mixed tournament for Neymar, who missed the second and third group matches through injury but impressed when he was on the pitch. He scored twice including that strike against Croatia which drew him level with Pele on 77 Brazil goals.
Meanwhile, Dani Alves follows the same hymn sheet as Ronaldo and believes Neymar should continue playing for Brazil. The 37-year-old did, however, reiterate that this is his final World Cup, having featured at four previous tournaments for his country - dating back to South Africa in 2010.
"This World Cup was my last one, for me it's time to say that," said Alves. "But I don't think it will be the same for Neymar. He's great, Brazilian football needs him to keep going."
Before the game against South Korea in the last-16, Ronaldo challenged Neymar to get back to his best following his injury. It is safe to say Neymar impressed Ronaldo in that game by netting and producing a Player of the Match performance for his side.
