Neymar vows to help Brazil win Olympic gold in 2016

Neymar in action for Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 28 (IANS) Football superstar Neymar has vowed to end Brazil's Olympic gold duck by leading his nation to its first title on home soil in 2016.

"I think we can learn from everything and if Brazil have still not won this football gold medal that we're all dreaming of, it's because our time is yet to come," Xinhua quoted the Barcelona forward as saying Tuesday.

"I hope to be part of this group and win the title for the Brazilian people, especially since we're playing at home. Winning at the Maracana stadium would be incredible, unforgettable, and you can be sure we'll give our best on the pitch to make this happen."

Alexandre Gallo, the head coach of the Brazilian team at the 2016 Rio Games, has already confirmed that he wants Neymar to fill one of the three slots available for players aged over 23 in the squad.

Despite winning a record five World Cups, Brazil have not won an Olympic football gold medal before and they are sparing no effort to win the only major international competition they are yet to win.

Brazil failed to lift the trophy on both occasions it hosted the football World Cup, in 1950 and last year, when a 1-7 semi-final defeat by Germany left the host nation in shock. But at the first Olympics staged in South America, Brazil is determined to clinch the title.

"I already imagine myself playing in the Olympic Games in my own country - it will be a dream come true. I've had the opportunity to play in the Confederations Cup and the World Cup in Brazil. So now the Olympic Games is all that's missing. It will bring me a lot of joy," said Neymar.

It would be Neymar's second Olympic Games, having played at London 2012, when Brazil arrived in the final having won five consecutive matches but finished with silver medals after losing 1-2 to Mexico at the Wembley Stadium. For Neymar and Brazil, 2016 offers a chance at redemption.