Neymar ready to bring gold medal at Rio Olympics

Neymar ready to bring gold medal at Rio Olympics

Brazil captain Neymar said it’s unusal for a “land of football” like his to have never won gold in the Olympics. He also added he isn’t scared of the responsibility that comes with leading his team.

Neymar ready to bring gold medal at Rio Olympics

Neymar, 24, did not take part in the Copa America Centenario in the United States. He is trying to help Brazil win the first-ever gold medal in football at the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the timing for the historic first is rather significant as Brazil are hosting the games in Rio.

“It’s a unique opportunity,” Neymar told Brazilian television. “Not only for me, but for everyone on the team. We know how important this medal is.

“I know that this gold medal has eluded Brazil so far, and we will do everything to try to win it. It’s rare that a country like Brazil, considered the land of football, still hasn’t won this gold.”

“Neymar is special, one of the best players in the world,” said Rogerio Micale, who replaced the sacked Dunga as coach of the Olympic team. “Any team can benefit from a player like him. He will mean a lot to us. I think that he will be able to lead the youngsters in the squad.”

There is also extra pressure on the Brazil captain. Dunga was fired for the second time from the national team. It was following a disastrous Copa America that saw the team fail to even progress from the group stages.

“I never run away from the responsibility. I’m used to it,” Neymar said furthermore. “We have another great opportunity to win an Olympic medal, and hopefully this time it will be the gold.”