"I hope he doesn't lose his joy" - Silva sends emotional support as Neymar admits mental health struggle
"I hope he doesn't lose his joy, continue to be happy the way he always is. He is a very special kid and, when he's happy, doing what he loves, he delivers."
Thiago Silva and Neymar Jr. have a strong bonding among themselves playing together at club level as well as the national team.
The Selecao defender has offered his emotional support to the Brazilian superstar Neymar who earlier this week admitted he doesn't know if he has the "strength of mind to deal with football" much longer.
Silva has played alongside Neymar for the Selecao for a decade and also competed alongside the forward at Paris Saint-Germain. As a world-renowned centre-back, Silva said he can relate to the feelings Neymar has expressed - and acknowledged it was hurtful to be publicly labelled "a crybaby, weak, very weak, mentally" when speaking out on his struggles.
So, the defender is determined to provide public backing to his countryman in hopes of helping him regain his love for football.
What has been said?
"Here at the national team, I have gone through some moments that are very similar [with what Neymar is going through], especially after 2014 World Cup," Silva told reporters.
"I was called a crybaby, weak, very weak, mentally. These are things that hurt you and you know that you are not what you have been called.
"I hope he doesn't lose his joy, continue to be happy the way he always is. He is a very special kid and, when he's happy, doing what he loves, he delivers."
In an Instagram story, Silva added: "If you need someone strong to be by your side, know that I will always be there. The Silva family love you."
What were Neymar's retirement comments?
"I think it's my last World Cup [in 2022]," the Paris Saint-Germain star said on DAZN.
"I see it as my last because I don't know if I have the strength of mind to deal with football anymore.
"So I'll do everything to turn up well, do everything to win with my country, to realise my greatest dream since I was little. And I hope I can do it."
Bigger picture
Mental health has become a key conversation in football in recent years as players have started to open up about their personal struggles, helping normalise the importance of asking for help rather than keeping emotions inside.
Neymar has joined the likes of Jack Wilshere, Tyrone Mings, and Christian Pulisic in speaking out about mental health this year.
