Neymar thanks fans for their support after back injury rules him out of world cup

Brazil's World Cup star and poster boy was ruled out of the tournament on Friday night when he fractured a vertebra after being kneed in the back by Colombia's Juan Zuniga. The 22-year-old, who scored four goals for the Selecao here in Brazil, was visibly upset when speaking into the camera about missing the rest of the World Cup.

Neymar writhing in pains after the tackle by Zuniga of Columbia

'My World Cup has not ended, it has been interrupted by a play but the tournament goes on and I told my team-mates to do everything in order to help me achieve my dream to be world champion,' Neymar said. He continued further, 'My dream was to play at a World Cup final but I'm certain my team-mates will be champions. 'I will be there with them, and all Brazilians will soon be celebrating all of that.'

Neymar with teammates at Brasil's training camp after release from hospital

Brazil doctor Jose Luiz Runco guaranteed the injury will not have long-term effects on Neymar's career and said the player could even travel to Belo Horizonte to watch the semi-final against Germany on Tuesday if he is not feeling a lot of pain. He expects the player to return to action in 45 days.

However, hundreds of fans gathered outside the Fortaleza hospital where Neymar was taken straight after the match in the northern city on Friday. He was flown back to Rio on Saturday, where he had a tearful reunion with his team-mates, who returned to their Teresopolis base to begin preparations for their semi-final against Germany. Neymar was then flown from the training ground in Granja Comary by medical helicopter to his home in Guaruya, Sao Paulo to begin his recovery.

Neymar waving to supporters after visiting his teammates and heading home

An x-ray snap showing the injured vertebra of Brasil star Neymar

'To Brazil, my team-mates, the coaches and the fans, this is a difficult time for me and I don't have the words to describe what is going through my mind and my heart, 'I want to thank everyone for all the support and affection they have shown me and for all the messages that I have received.'  Said Neymar,