Neymar: I have special affection for Kylian Mbappe

nation’s own exit.

Neymar and Brazil were surprisingly bundled out in the quarter-finals by Belgium, who subsequently lost in the last four to eventual champions France.

Teenage attacker Mbappe played a key part in Les Bleus’ triumph in Russia, netting in their 4-2 win over Croatia in the final to finish the tournament with four goals and the FIFA Young Player award.

The 19-year-old, whom Real Madrid have denied they are targeting, returns to PSG as one of the hottest properties in world football, and Neymar insists he is delighted for his club team-mate.

“I congratulated him, of course,” Neymar told reporters.

“We talked during the World Cup, always, and we tried to meet in the semi-finals but unfortunately it wasn’t possible.

“But I was happy for him. He’s a boy that I have special affection for, he’s a boy that I try to pass on my experience [to], even at my young age, to help him become better and better.”

Speaking at his five-a-side tournament in Sao Paulo, Neymar also responded to the critics that questioned his silence in the immediate aftermath of the World Cup.

The 26-year-old, who faced accusations of underperformance and play-acting, initially avoided commenting on Brazil’s shock failure.

“I’m criticised for everything, for what I say, for what I don’t say, I’m used to it. I’ve been through this a lot,” he said.

“But I talked after a few days because I was soothing my pain. I was sad, I had to take my time to be more calm. It was a very difficult time.

“And when I said something it was how I always talked [via Instagram]. It’s where I feel comfortable, where I try to express my words, and bring the public closer to me. I’m cool about this.”