I’m waiting for the day to arrive, says Neymar

Brazil superstar excited as World Cup debut looms

RIO DE JANEIRO: Barcelona and Brazil superstar Neymar said he was looking forward to the realisation of a childhood dream after being confirmed in his country's World Cup squad.

The 22-year-old, who helped propel the Selecao to last year's Confederations Cup, will be playing in his first World Cup and said he could already taste the excitement.

"This is the realisation of a dream I have had since I was a child," said Neymar said on social media after Luis Felipe Scolari named him in his 23-man squad.

"I don't doubt this is one of the happiest days of my life. I've always been chasing my dreams and this was always one of my main ones.

"I am emotional, anxious, nervous, just waiting for the day to arrive.”

Centre forward Fred, who dovetailed to great effect with Neymar a year ago to win the Confederations Cup dress rehearsal, said he also could not wait to get stuck into Brazil's rivals, starting with Croatia on June 12.

"That sixth title will come," promised the 30-year-old, who scored one goal at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but missed the cut for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Chelsea defender David Luiz said: "To live this moment is something you can't put into words. I will do all I can to honour my countrymen."

Clubmates Ramires and Willian were also overjoyed at being selected for the adventure.

"I don't have words to describe this moment," said Ramires. "I am just overjoyed and proud to be in the Brazil squad!"

Willian said: "I've received the best news of my life. I get the opportunity to play a World Cup, a dream I've had since I was a kid."

On another note, Brazil moved up two places to fourth in the new Fifa world rankings released Thursday, making the biggest jump of the major teams.