'The saddest moment of my career'

Less than a day after being knocked out the World Cup by Belgium, Brazilian striker Neymar said he will find it hard to return to club football.

"I can tell you this is the saddest moment of my career, the pain is huge because we know that we could have gone far, we knew that we had what it takes to go further, to make history... but it wasn't to be this time," Neymar said on Instagram. "It is hard to find the strength to want to return to play football again but I am sure that God will give me strength to face whatever is in front of me," he added.

“Very happy to be part of this team, I am proud of everyone, they interrupted our dream but they did not remove it from our head nor from our hearts."

'It's Not easy being Neymar'

Edu Gaspar, the general coordinator of the Brazil football team, came out in Neymar's defence after the Selecao were eliminated from the World Cup. The former Brazil and Arsenal midfielder believes that Neymar excelled in the tournament in spite of his recent injury and the pressure that is on his shoulders whenever Brazil take the field.

"From the moment I started to spend more time with Neymar, I saw that it was not easy being Neymar. He's a boy. Boy, no, I'm sorry about the term. He is no longer a boy," Edu began. "He is an athlete who deserves all my praise. People forget all the time he sacrificed only to play the World Cup in good condition. He trained for only three weeks and played only two friendlies [before the World Cup]. I do not know if any other athlete could reach the level he reached."

Edu also turned his focus to the media, insinuating that they painted everything Neymar does in a negative light.

"If he smiles, it is criticised and praised. If he cries, it is criticised and praised. If he does not give an interview, it is criticized and praised. It's not easy being Neymar, it's difficult being in Neymar's shoes. I try to be on his side as best I can," Edu concluded.

Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho said he was ready for the backlash after the surprise loss.

"We wanted to go all the way to the final but we've given our best shot. Everyone gave everything," the Barcelona playmaker told SporTV.

"I'm sure will be beaten up [by criticism] from all sides. Life goes on, that's football. You win and you lose."