Neymar has insisted he was not disappointed at missing out on the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The forward had been named the best player in the 2009 Campeonato Paulista – Série A1 and would go on to receive a similar accolade for the 2010 Brasileirão, but was overlooked by the then Brazil head coach Dunga.
Neymar accepted the decision at the time and believes he is now a more mature and experienced player.
“It was not my turn (then) to play a World Cup,” he told FIFA.com. “I have always worked for this day – unfortunately it didn’t happen for me on that occasion. But after that I was lucky enough to be called up to wear the Brazilian colours.
I think the difference between the Neymar of 2010 and 2014 is that this one is more mature and has gained experience – the pleasure of playing remains the same.”
