Thiago Silva Slams Neymar After Barcelona Star Took Brazil Captaincy

Thiago Silva has spoken of his disappointment that international teammate Neymar did not speak to him when offered the captaincy of Brazil this summer, claiming he was "upset" by the young star's actions.

The PSG defender led Brazil to the 2014 World Cup, but he was criticised in some quarters after he appeared to lose control of his emotions ahead of their penalty shootout with Chile and his later suspension for Brazil's semi-final humiliation at the hands of Germany.

Goal.com's Luke Sheehan quotes Silva saying of Neymar:

"

Sincerely, I didn't expect this. I would be lying if I said it didn't annoy me. It feels like something was taken away from me that was mine. It's painful and makes me sad.

Especially because no one has come to talk to me about this. Neymar didn't approach me.

But I think we must be prepared for everything, somehow, even if I thought I was going to come and play. I have to be ready to be on the bench also.

"

Silva later said that he has cleared the air with Neymar over the situation, via Goal.com:

"

'I saw it differently to the way it came out,' he told reporters on Monday. 'But, most importantly, I was speaking with a clear conscience.

'Things are fine with Neymar and Dunga. I had to clarify some things. Some things that were said that were not true. Neymar understood my intention.

"[The controversy] is sad because we have a sibling relationship. He is like my younger brother. And that will not change. I said this to him.

'This will not end our relationship.'

"

Perhaps adding to Silva's disappointment is the fact that he would appear to have lost his place in the national team since his injury earlier this season.

With Miranda and David Luiz—or, on occasion, Marquinhos—yet to concede in the Selecao's five games thus far in the campaign, it is looking unlikely that Dunga will look to change his setup in the near future.

Indeed, the manager has already confirmed Neymar will remain as captain regardless of Thiago Silva's involvement:

"

Dunga has re-confirmed once again that Neymar remains Brazil's captain, but that Thiago could possibly have team talks depending on factors.

— Seleção Brasileira (@BrazilStats) October 24, 2014"

For Thiago, 30, it is a major blow. For so long considered one of the world's very best central defenders, he has not only lost the national team captaincy but also his place in the starting lineup. It is perhaps understandable that he should hold some resentment at the manner of his treatment.

Neymar is a relatively young captain at 22 and there was justifiable concern at his selection by Dunga to lead the side following the country's World Cup disaster.

However, Dunga's Brazil are beginning to gather significant momentum after five victories. What's more, Neymar is flying as their leader, emphasised by his two-goal haul in the victory over Turkey just days ago.

Uncredited/Associated Press

He may be young, but the former Santos man is leading through his actions rather than his words and is doing a fine job at present. Brazil are scoring goals, playing freely and not conceding.

Silva will inevitably be handed further opportunities to start for his country and will perhaps even win his place in the lineup back ahead of next summer. However, the captaincy would now seem unlikely.

Neymar, assuming there is no major disaster, will surely retain the armband for the remainder of the current four-year cycle when Thiago will turn 34. His dreams of captaining the Selecao to World Cup glory would appear to be over.

Andre Penner/Associated Press

If there is now an issue between the two senior players, though, Dunga would be well advised to attempt to control the situation swiftly. In Neymar's absence, it could be that Thiago is a prime candidate to fill in as captain in the future, and any personal issues must be resolved in advance.

With Luiz and Marquinhos also adding pressure at PSG, Thiago has an important 12 months ahead of him to prove his continued worth with club and country. It is a defining year in his career and one in which he must fight to maintain his place at the top of the game.