Neymar retires from Brazil national team after World Cup exit to Norway

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Neymar said on Sunday that he will no longer represent Brazil at the senior level. He revealed the decision after the squad was eliminated from the World Cup, losing 2-1 to Norway in the round of 16.

"I tried," Neymar said. "It started here at MetLife Stadium, and I finished here. It is now over."

Now 34, the forward opened and closed his Brazil career at the same ground. He made his debut on August 10, 2010, in a friendly against the United States at the stadium in the Meadowlands in northern New Jersey. Against Norway, he came on from the bench and converted a penalty kick in the closing minutes.

A persistent right calf injury limited him to just two of Brazil's five matches at the tournament. He also played only 15 minutes against Scotland during the group stage.

For more than a decade, Neymar had been Brazil's standout performer, though recurring injuries in recent years had reduced his influence on the pitch. With his departure, the national side now moves into a transition phase as a younger group of players steps forward.

"We ask that people will have the patience with the new generation and support them from the get-go," captain Marquinhos said.