Bolivia striker Yasmani Duk has explained his rough treatment of Neymar during Brazil's 5-0 World Cup qualifying win on Friday.
Neymar suffered a nasty injury after being on the wrongend of a collision with Duk, who plies his trade in the MLS with New York Cosmos, and the forward didn't seem to be very apologeticwhen speaking toASafter the game.
"Neymar was being a bit too cocky - he was like that with all of us throughout the game, but all I was trying to do was cut off a move - which is what happens in football," Duk, 28, claimed.
"Everyone knows the sport has its physical side - I had my nose broken and no one says a word.�
Neymar has been tipped to eclipse the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Duk, who has scored once for Bolivia in 10 appearances for the South American side, has claimed the Brazilian won't become the best player in the world unless he changes his attitude.
"To become the best player in the world, he's got to stop this 'Charlie Big Bollocks' behaviour and start showing some respect for his opponents."
After the collision, Neymar was treated on touchline before eventually being taken off by Brazil coach Tite three minutes after as a precaution. Brazil won the game 5-0, thanks to goals from Neymar, Philippe Coutinho, Filipe Luis, Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino.
Whether Duk is reallyright to talk about humility after leaving a player bleeding on the pitch and remaining unremorseful afterwards remains to be seen...