'They provoked me!' – Neymar speaks out after scoring brilliant Olimpico goal for Santos and reveals hopes of Brazil call-up

Neymar opened up on scoring an Olimpico goal against Inter de Limeira as he remained hopeful of a Brazil national team call-up.

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• Neymar explained celebrating in front of Inter de Limeira fans
• Scored Olimpico goal in Santos' win
• Remains hopeful of Brazil call-up

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil icon scored his second goal in his sixth appearance for Santos on Sunday, since returning to his boyhood club this winter. He scored a world-class Olimpico goal as he stunned the crowd by putting the ball directly into the net from a corner. Neymar celebrated his goal in front of the home fans, who had earlier booed him for providing the assist for Tiquinho Soares' opener.

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• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the match, the 33-year-old said: "I went to take the corner, they provoked me. I asked them to sing louder, I struck the ball and got an assist. Then, the second time I went there [to the corner], they did it again, so I thought to myself: 'Now I'm the one who's going to score the goal' [laughs]. I hit a great shot and managed to score my first 'Olympic goal' [goal direct from a corner]."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Selecao boss Dorival Junior is all set to announce his squad on March 7 for the team's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Colombia and Argentina on March 21 and 26 respectively and Neymar remains hopeful that he will be picked for the team. "Regarding the call-up, I'm there. Each player's desire is to defend the country, and for me, it has always been an honour. I dedicated myself to the team to the fullest. I enjoy being there, representing Brazil. If I have the opportunity to return, I will be very happy," the Santos star added.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Before Brazil's squad selection, the former Barcelona and Al-Hilal star will get one more opportunity to prove himself as Santos take on Bragantino in the Paulista Championship quarter-final.