Neymar renounces Brazil captaincy after Rio Olympic Games

Barcelona forward Neymar declared that he will no longer be Brazil's captain after guiding the country to an Olympic gold medal on Saturday.

The 24-year-old announced his decision after scoring the winning penalty in the Verde-Amarela's 5-4 shootout victory against Germany at the Maracana Stadium.

"Today I have become a champion, being handed the captaincy was something that I received with honour and affection," he said, "It has been an honour to be the captain of Brazil, but from now I leave that responsibility and I would like to send a message to coach Tite to find another player to perform this function."

Brazil's Olympic coach Rogerio Micale revealed after the final that Neymar had told him about his plans during preparation for the Games. "He told Tite that he would no longer be captain, it's a noble gesture that shows his maturity," Micale said.

"He has acted as a dedicated leader, playing a decisive role in the squad."

Neymar has been Brazil captain for nearly two years after Thiago Silva was demoted from the role by former coach Dunga in September 2014. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, at the time, criticised the decision and claimed he hadn't been notified of the change.

Tite, who took charge in June this year, has already outlined his intention to make a rotating captaincy system for Brazil.