Dunga confirmed last month that Barcelona wonderkid Neymar would replace PSG’s Thiago Silva as the national team’s new captain.
The move raised a few eyebrows – Neymar is not known for his on-pitch leadership or vocal approach to a game, while Thiago Silva is a swashbuckling centre-back who has “been there, done it”.
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Most assumed the decision was based more on marketing reasons than footballing reasons. To add further fuel to the fire, previous captain Thiago Silva has today claimed he knew nothing of the change:
Thiago: “Neymar becoming captain? I was out for a long time, I’m not aware what happened. I can’t comment before speaking with the staff.”
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) November 10, 2014
Though he denied it would affect their friendship:
Thiago Silva: “Neymar is my great friend and nothing can break our friendship, definitely not an armband.”
— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) November 10, 2014