FOOTBALL – NEYMAR has been named in Brazil’s squad for next month’s World Cup, manager Carlo Ancelotti said yesterday, handing the forward a chance to return to international soccer’s biggest stage after an injury-disrupted cycle.
The 34-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, comes back following a prolonged absence due to a series of injuries that kept him out for much of the qualifying campaign, as the five-time champions pursue a record-extending sixth title.
As dozens of journalists gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Museum of Tomorrow for a ceremony featuring music acts and celebrity guests, all eyes were on Ancelotti’s decision on whether to include Neymar in the squad.
The 66-year-old Italian, who took over Brazil last year, had not previously called the former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player. He told Reuters earlier this month that Neymar’s inclusion would be based on fitness and form, not sentiment.
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