Neymar apologises for foul-mouthed Instagram rant aimed at Brazil critics after Copa America exit
Samba superstar launched a furious social media tirade after scathing comments were made about his national team-mates
NEYMAR has apologised for leading a foul-mouthed Instagram rant at Brazil critics.
The Samba star launched a furious tirade on social media after his country was dumped out of the Copa America by Peru on Monday.
He wrote: "Nobody knows what you suffer to be there and defend the selection, wearing this shirt is a pride and you do it with LOVE .. Now it appears a lot of a******* talk s***, f*** .. this is part of football!!!"
But just over a day later, the Samba star retracted his comments, claiming no good came of his anger in Brazil.
On Instagram again, he uploaded a picture of himself in the national kit, captioning it: "Only five minutes in Brazil was enough to realise that my post had had a negative impact.
"I admit it. Apologising to those that have been offended is the least I can do."
The Barcelona ace admitted negative criticism of his Brazil team-mates pushed him into the tirade.
He added: "I wrote it after the result of Brazil against Peru, and I was very upset with the elimination and disgusted with the words I heard and read aimed at those players - after all, I am part of that group.
"Now I must apologise and move on, enjoy the rest of my vacation and begin preparation for the Olympics. That is our goal now."
Neymar is currently partying across North America as he prepares for his role at the Brazil Olympics.
The Nou Camp maestro was granted permission to partake in only one tournament this summer by his club and opted to snub the Copa America in favour of the Rio games.