Neymars focus solely on Confed Cup

28 May 2013 21:47

Brazilian star Neymar said Tuesday he was eager to join his new club, Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, but vowed to focus on trying to win next month's Confederations Cup with the national squad.

"I am keen to get there (Barcelona) but I want to focus on the Confederations Cup to try to win the title for Brazil," he said during a marketing event before joining his international teammates in Rio de Janeiro.

"We are going to show up to make a good Confederations Cup and make everybody happy," he added.

"I want to give my very best, help the team, whether with a pass, or in defence. We have to unite. Brazilian football is one of the best in the world and will continue to be."

The Confederations Cup, a dress rehearsal for next year's World Cup, will be held in Brazil from June 15 to 30.

Brazil, winner of five World Cups and three Confederations Cups, is preparing for next month's tournament with two friendly games, one against England on June 2 in Rio and another against France on June 9 in Porte Alegre.

The 21-year-old Neymar, who signed a five-year contract with Barca Monday, said he was sad to leave his club Santos but "happy" to face a new challenge and realise his "dream to play with such stars as (Lionel) Messi, (Andres) Iniesta, Daniel Alves."

According to Spanish media, Neymar's transfer was between $51.7 million and $64.6 million.

Source: AFP