Neymar named permanent Brazil captain

Rio 2016 gold medallist appointed by coach Tite

2 min

Brazil manager Tite has confirmed that Rio 2016 gold medallist Neymar is permanent captain of the country's men's national team.

The 26-year-old will first lead Brazil in friendlies against the United States on Friday**,** then against El Salvador on Wednesday.

The announcement came at a press conference, where Neymar commented: "I accepted (the captaincy) again because I've learned a lot and I will learn much more. And this responsibility will be a good thing to me."

Appointing a permanent skipper breaks with Tite's rotational policy at the World Cup.

During this period Thiago Silva, Miranda and Marcelo all wore the armband, before Brazil were shocked by Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Neymar addresses World Cup critics

The Paris Saint-Germain star was also quick to say sorry to fans for the disappointing performance at FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia,

"I want to apologise to the supporters which got mad with us because losing is a very bad thing," Neymar told reporters in the United States, reported by Goal.

"We believed we could [be world champions] but it wasn't possible."

Neymar was heavily criticised for his perceived over exaggeration of fouls during the tournament and also addressed this in New Jersey.

I was targeted by many critics, a lot of bad things and I wasn't OK at that very moment [after the game against Belgium] to speak.

"So when I'm not OK to speak I prefer to stay shut because the silence is the best answer.

"I think they (defenders) won't let me pass without giving me a little strike. I can't ask them, 'Hey, excuse me but let me score'. I suffered lots of fouls during the World Cup. But it happened. It's another lesson I carry with me."