Júlio César backs Neymar: He'd start for any national side | OneFootball

While the Brazilian National Team thrashed South Korea 5-0 this Friday in Seoul, former goalkeeper Júlio César took advantage of the “Match of the Heart,” a charity event at Maracanã, to reinforce confidence in a name that remains off the field but is still seen as a symbol of Brazilian football: Neymar.

Recovering from a rectus femoris muscle injury in his right thigh, Santos' number 10 has been training at his private gym during the squad's break, under the supervision of the club's trainers. Júlio César, who played alongside the forward during their time with the National Team, highlighted the player's talent and described him as a star capable of shining in any team on the planet.

“Ney, in his best condition, doesn’t just play for the Brazilian National Team — he plays for any team in the world. Every time I have the opportunity to talk about Ney, it's incredible how he plays. He is far ahead,” said the former goalkeeper.

Júlio also recalled the times he watched Neymar at the beginning of his career and emphasized the charm the forward had even when he was young.

“I had the opportunity to work with him when he was very young, and it was enchanting to see Neymar train and play. Of course, now he is going through a complicated time with injuries, but he remains our great hope,” he added.

The former player, a Flamengo and Inter Milan idol, believes that Santos' number 10 can still be decisive in the next World Cup.

“I hope he returns as soon as possible, that he works well to be in the best physical condition and deliver what we all expect. It might be his last World Cup — I think, to be honest, it is the last. But Neymar is smart, he will take care of himself and will be ready,” projected Júlio César.

While the veteran shows faith in the star's recovery, Brazil continues to evolve under the command of Carlo Ancelotti. This morning, the National Team had its most convincing performance with the Italian coach: Estêvão and Rodrygo scored two goals each, and Vinícius Júnior completed the 5-0 thrashing of the South Koreans.

Neymar, who has scored six goals and provided three assists in 21 games since returning to Santos, still has no set date to return to the field. The club estimates the recovery process will take between four and twelve weeks.

Santos returns to the field next Wednesday at 9:30 PM at Vila Belmiro against Corinthians, for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship — a match the star will certainly watch from the stands as he prepares for another comeback.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.