Neymar says 2 injuries, not 1, affected World Cup displays

FILE – In this Friday, July 6, 2018 file photo Brazil’s Neymar holds his shinbone during the quarterfinal match between Brazil and Belgium at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena, in Kazan, Russia. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

RIO DE JANEIRO — Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar was battling back from two injuries, not one, at last year’s World Cup.

In a 2-hour interview with TV Globo on Sunday, Neymar said a problem in his right ankle was affecting his recovery in Russia, as well as the metatarsal fracture in the same foot that he had previously described.

“Besides the metatarsal, I had an ankle problem. I ruptured the ligament and the recovery was crazier because of this,” the PSG striker said.

Neymar said the metatarsal injury did not unduly trouble him in Russia, but the ankle did. “It is very annoying with the ankle, it takes a long time to get back to normal,” he said.

Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Neymar failed to deliver his best performances during the tournament.

Neymar is currently recovering in Brazil from another metatarsal injury in his right foot that he sustained in January, and is expected to return to action next month.

The former Barcelona forward talked about speculation he could one day join Real Madrid.

“It is one of the biggest clubs in the world, any player that Real Madrid seeks would be drawn into playing there. I am very happy at PSG. But no one knows the future,” he said.

Recent videos have shown Neymar dancing at a party in Salvador, which has led to criticism about the way he is handling his recovery, but he said he would not be changing his ways.

“When people say Neymar’s life off the pitch troubles him on the pitch … No. You are completely wrong, it doesn’t trouble him in any way. I am a man that takes care of himself. I know when I can go out,” he said.