Neymar claims 2014 World Cup injury 'nearly ended my career'

Brazil star striker Neymar has claimed that the severe back injury he had suffered at the 2014 World Cup could have brought a premature end to his booming career.

The 24-year-old Barcelona star was ruled out of the pinnacle event after suffering the injury following a reckless tackle from Camilo Zuniga in the quarterfinals against Colombia.

"I've had bad times during my career, but the worst moment was in the 2014 World Cup [against Colombia]," Neymar was quoted as saying by Spanish newspaper Marca. "My childhood dream was to be world champion, but that was destroyed by an injury that nearly ended my career.

"It was a very difficult week, but luckily I had my family and friends by my side. It's important to have the support of those that are close you you during those moments."

Although Brazil won the quarterfinals 2-1, the absence of Neymar severely cost the hosts as they were thrashed 7-1 by eventual champions Germany in the semifinals.