Neymar is preparing to ‘leave the national team’ says Brazil teammate Rodrygo 

Neymar of Brazil against Peru in Copa America
Neymar of Brazil against Peru in Copa America / IMAGO

Real Madrid and Brazil attacker Rodrygo has claimed that Brazil teammate and Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar is preparing to leave the national team.

In an interview with PodPah, Rodrygo made the shocking revelation, claiming that Neymar has already agreed to hand over his No.10 shirt to him. 

Despite being just 30 years, Neymar is thought to be set to retire from the national team after the World Cup in Qatar later this year. The PSG star is the second-highest goal scorer in the national team and has reportedly told teammates he will give his No.10 shirt – a number which has been worn by the likes of Pelé, Ronaldinho and Kaká– to Rodrygo.

In an interview with PodPah via Sportsmail, Rodrygo said: “Neymar said: ‘I’m already leaving the national team and 10 is yours’. I didn’t even know what to say to him. 

“I was embarrassed. I giggled and didn’t even know what to say properly. I told him that he has to play some more, that I didn’t want to now and stuff. And then he had a laugh.”

Neymar made his debut for Brazil at the age of 18 back in 2010 – scoring after just 28 minutes. He followed that goal with a further 73 goals in 118 appearances in all competitions but has failed to win any significant trophies, with his national side having been injured through their 2019 Copa America success.

Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo looks set to take over from Neymar when his time is up, having become a key player for the national team and his club whom he helped to win the UEFA Champions League this year.