RIO DE JANEIRO: Barcelona and Brazil star Neymar is gunning for Olympic glory with Brazil to make up for last year's World Cup disappointment.
The World Cup brought double hurt for the 22-year-old as not only did the Selecao fail for a second time after 1950 to win the event on home soil but he missed the semi-final debacle against Germany through injury.
Five-time world champions Brazil have also o far failed to win an Olympic crown, having had to settle for silver at London 2012, giving them all the more motivation to put that record straight in Rio next year.
"I hope to be part of this group and win the title for the Brazilian people, especially since we're playing at home," said Neymar.
"Winning at the Maracana would be incredible, unforgettable, and you can be sure we'll give our best on the pitch to make this happen," the star said in an interview with Rio2016.com
"I think we can learn from everything and if Brazil has still not won this football gold medal that we're all dreaming of, it's because our time is yet to come," Neymar added.
"Wearing the Brazilian shirt is indescribable and every time I wear our colours it's a memorable occasion for me," said Neymar.
The football tournament will see the Maracana stage the final with other action spread across Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Salvador and Sao Paulo, although other cities, including World Cup venues Manaus and Fortaleza are vying to be included in the early rounds.
"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," he concluded.
"The Olympic Games are different, because they bring all sports together. The whole world comes together to watch, uniting friends and family.
He added another aspect of the Games which thrilled him was the chance to met athletes from other sports.
"I really want to see Usain Bolt in action, I'm a big fan of his."
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