Copa America: "We do not falter without him" – Alves says Brazil remains strong even without Neymar

Dani Alves thinks that Brazil would not be weaker without Neymar while it is pursuing success at Copa America.

Neymar was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury that was a blow to hosts, who started their campaign with a 3-0 win against Bolivia on Friday.

While Alves praised the quality of the star of Paris Saint-Germain, the captain of Selecao believes that Brazil would not be weaker without this player 27 years.

"I believe that every time we come to the national team, we wear this jersey, we have to prove it, whether Neymar is present or not, we have to prove it because we represent a historic team, very respected in the world whole, "he said at a press conference Sunday.

"But when you have an extra, like Ney, you become a little stronger, but you do not weaken without it, you only increase your qualities, you increase your power, but you do not diminish without it.

"Our responsibility remains the same – we represent a story and we must defend it with great honor."

Only Cafu (142) and Roberto Carlos (125) have played more games for Brazil than Alves (110) and the PSG halfback, who has just completed his contract, has no intention of slowing down.

Alves said that he was considering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but knows that he must continue to happen.

"He [2022 World Cup] That's a goal I have, but I do not allow myself to look too far forward, because when you look far ahead, you forget to look now, "he said.

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"I can not forget to look at the present because the opportunities I have to be here can not be distracted by the future or the past – what matters is the present.

"I'm reinventing myself: when you reach a certain age, you start to have doubts, a lot of discussions about the selection are renewed or the clubs must renew, have more players, young people, but in the clubs and at the national level. " team, it is valued by the results ".

Brazil faces Venezuela in Salvador on Tuesday in their second Group A match.