04 June,2018 09:07 AM IST | Liverpool | AFP
Neymar. Pic/AFP
Brazil star Neymar said he was "very happy" to have made a goal-scoring comeback in a 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia on Sunday, but insisted he was only firing at "80 percent". "It's been three months that I've been injured," said Neymar, with the World Cup to start in Russia in 10 days. "To come back and do what I love the most, playing football, and furthermore to score a goal, is an immense joy. I'm very happy." The Paris Saint-Germain forward appeared as a half-time replacement for Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho as the Selecao stepped up their World Cup preparations.
And Neymar needed just 23 minutes at Liverpool's Anfield ground to prove how important he is to Brazil's hopes of a sixth world title. Receiving a pass from Philippe Coutinho, Neymar cut into the area, beating Sime Vrsaljko and Duje Caleta-Car with impressive close control and dribbling, before burying a shot into the roof of the goal, via the crossbar, from the edge of the six-yard area. But he added: "I still feel a little pain, but that's normal when you spend so much time not walking.
"I feel at 80 percent of my capacity." After his goal, Neymar made sure to head to the Brazil bench to embrace team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, who operated on his foot fracture three months ago. "It was to thank him. Not only Lasmar, but also Rafa and Rica (his physiotherapist and physical trainer). They've been there 24 hours a day with me. "I want to thank all the people who've been important for me."
ALSO READ
Injured Neymar to miss two weeks of training
Neymar returns after over a year as Al Hilal beat Al Ain
Neymar back after a year out and helps Al-Hilal in Asian Champions League
Neymar available for Al-Hilal next week after year-long recovery from ACL injury
Coach says Neymar is not ready for an imminent return to Al-Hilal
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
