Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar got emotional when he spoke about the importance of the Brazil national team in his life.
Neymar scored his 68th goal for his country in a 4-0 win over Peru at the Copa America on Thursday as Brazil maintained their perfect start in the tournament.
"It is a great honor for me to be part of the history of the Brazilian team," Neymar said after Thursday's match. "To be honest, it was always my dream to play for Brazil.
"I never imagined reaching these numbers. It's quite exciting because I've gone through a lot in these two years, which have been tough. I want my family and friends to be proud of the history that I have here I'm making."
Brazil moved to the 2021 Copa America after a turbulent build-up. Neymar and his teammates declined to speak to the media earlier this month after CONMEBOL announced a change of venue for the tournament, which was originally scheduled to be held in Argentina and Colombia.
The Brazilian players issued a statement five days before the start of the tournament, confirming that they were going to play, even though they were against the event.
"I'm never going to say no to my country," said Neymar, who has played 107 matches for Brazil since making his senior debut in 2010. "We expressed our opinion, but here we are.
"It was difficult, but the joy of being on the pitch with the national team will always be there. Today we are living in very unusual times. It was a very difficult moment for the whole world [due to the coronavirus pandemic] and for the people." It's a great pleasure to be able to bring happiness to you."
Brazil legend Pele said he believes Neymar spreads joy all around and is "rooting" for the former Barcelona attacker to break his own goal-scoring record with the national team.
A three-time World Cup winner, Pele scored 77 goals for Brazil and the 29-year-old Neymar needs 10 more to overtake him.
"Whenever I see this boy, he's smiling;" Pele wrote about Neymar on Instagram. "It's impossible not to smile back.
"It's contagious. I, like all Brazilians, am always happy when I see him play football. Today, he took another step toward my goalscoring record for Selecao. And I can't wait to see him get there." I want to do it with the same happiness. Ever since I saw him play for the first time."
Brazil coach Tite said he believes the tactics used by his team and PSG can make Neymar "explode all his talent."
"I don't know how far Neymar can go," Tite said after Thursday's match. "His technical ability... I really hope he stays healthy, doesn't get hurt, that he has that maturity.
"Within the national team, and I believe in his club as well, we are giving him the creative freedom and he is contributing to the team, especially when it comes to pressure. We give him a wider field of action so that he can play his part. can explode all brilliance... this harmonious combination allows it to be effective."