Neymar dropped from Brazilian team for first time in six years
"I do what is best for the Brazil team," the coach said.
RIO DE JANEIRO (Web Desk) – Brazil have dropped Neymar Jr. from their football team for the first time in six years along with other key players for the upcoming Melbourne tour against Australia and Argentina.
Juventus’ Daniel Alves, Real Madrid’s Marcello and Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino have also been left out, with Reds teammate Philippe Coutinho, David Luiz (Chelsea) and Thiago Silva (PSG) headlining the Brazil squad.
Brazil coach Tite’s stocks dropped these players to give them some rest. In a press conference, he stressed the importance of resting Neymar who did not have an off-season break since 2010.
“I do what is best for the Brazil team,” Tite said.
“We need to preserve the players who are at the end of the European season.
“But there is no such thing as a friendly against Argentina.”
BRAZIL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Diego Alves (Valencia), Weverton (Atletico Paranaense), Ederson (Benfica)
Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), David Luiz (Chelsea), Fagner (Corinthians), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Gil (Shandong Luneng), Jemerson (Monaco), Rafinha (Bayern Munich), Rodrigo Caio (Sao Paulo), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders: Fernandinho (Manchester City), Giuliano (Zenit St Petersburg), Lucas Lima (Santos), Paulinho (Guangzhou Evergrande), Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool), Renato Augusto (Beijing Gouan), Rodriguinho (Corinthians), Willian (Chelsea)
Forwards: Diego Souza (Sport), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Taison (Shakhtar Donetsk)
