Brazil coach wants Neymar to remain captain

Neymar of Brazil kisses his gold medal. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazil coach Tite said on Monday that he will try to convince Neymar to reverse his decision to quit as national team captain.

Neymar, 24, stood down as the Selecao's leader on Saturday after Brazil defeated Germany on penalties to win their first Olympic Games football gold medal in Rio.

"I said to Neymar that he should celebrate for now and worry about (the captaincy) later," Tite told a press conference here on Monday.

Neymar did not explain his reason for renouncing the captaincy, though it is believed his strained relationship with Brazil's media played a major part.

During a pre-Olympics news conference at Brazil's Terespolis training base, Neymar tersely fended off claims that his celebrity lifestyle could be affecting his football.

The 24-year-old has barely appeared before the media since, speaking only when forced to do so.

"Being a leader involves many aspects," Tite said. "He (Neymar) is a leader on the pitch. There is also the aspect of talking in public. We will see."

Tite said the captaincy could be rotated between Neymar and other experienced players such as Inter Milan central defender Miranda and Juventus right-back Daniel Alves.

Earlier, Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder Paulinho was recalled to Brazil's squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Colombia next month.

The former Tottenham Hotspur player has not represented the Selecao since the 2014 World Cup, but has impressed Tite with his form for the Chinese Super League outfit this year.