Croatian midfielder, Ivan Perisic has thanked Brazilian forward, Neymar Jr for his warm gesture towards his son after a shocking defeat to Croatia on Friday.
Neymar’s extra-time goal was cancelled by Bruno Petrovic who’s strike was deflected out of Alison’s reach to draw the 2018 finalist level with Brazil, to take the game to penalty shootouts.
Rodrygo had Brazil’s first spot-kick saved, and they faced an uphill battle from there. With Neymar yet to take, Marquinhos stepped up needing to score to save Brazil’s WC dream, only for the defender to strike the post, sending Croatia to the semifinals.
Neymar was left heartbroken after the game. Ivan Perisic’s son, Leo ran towards the 30-year-old striker to console him.
Leo, was initially stopped from getting too close to Neymar by security. But the pair eventually shook hands and hugged.
Perisic took to his Instagram to acknowledge Neymar’s response and what it means to his Son, Leo.
‘Obrigado Neymar… means a lot to him.’ Perisic posted on his verified Instagram account.
Neymar said he his unsure if he would play again for the national team.
“Honestly, I do not know. I think talking now is bad because of the heat of the moment. Maybe I’m not thinking straight,” an emotional Neymar told reporters.
“To say that this is the end would be rushing myself, but I don’t guarantee anything either. Let’s see what happens going forward.
“I want to take this time to think about it, think about what I want for myself. I will not close the door to playing with Brazil, nor do I say 100% that I’ll come back.”