Brazil coach wants Neymar to reverse captaincy call

Neymar

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil coach Tite said he will try to convince ace forward Neymar to reverse his decision to quit as the national football team captain.

Neymar

Neymar stood down as the Selecao's leader on Saturday after Brazil defeated Germany on penalties to win their first Olympic Games football gold medal in Rio. "I said to Neymar that he should celebrate for now and worry about (the captaincy) later," Tite told a press conference here on Monday.

Neymar did not explain his reason for renouncing the captaincy, though it is believed his strained relationship with Brazil's media played a major part. Neymar tersely fended off claims that his celebrity lifestyle could be affecting his football. "Being a leader involves many aspects," Tite said.

"He (Neymar) is a leader on the pitch. There is also the aspect of talking in public. We will see."