Calcutta: Being special is what Neymar has always wanted to be, not a global superstar.

This aspiration to be special drives him on, instilling hopes in the Brazilian camp of a sixth World Cup title.

In an interview to a German sports website Spox, Neymar said: “… I always wanted to be special. That was my goal very early — actually from the moment I played football in a club. 

“That was at the age of 11. From then on I’ve tried to get better every single day and get to my level best. I really worked and sacrificed every day of my life to become a professional. That was the only dream I ever had. 

“I dreamt of playing for Santos in their first team, being selected in the national team and going to Europe one day. It was not certain at the time that I would succeed, but I kept thinking about it. There was nothing else for me.”

Training like a “madman” with the goal in mind helped the Brazilian star in his progress. “I trained like a madman with my goal in mind. 

“The whole thing was done in a natural way, I would say. As a teenager, I did not take a path that no one had ever taken before me,” he said.

Neymar also feels he is not worth the 222 million euros (£200m) that Paris Saint-Germain paid to sign him, making the him the most expensive player in football history.

“I am not proud of the transfer fee and I am not the most expensive player ever. That’s just money and nothing else. I cannot help it, but personally, I would have paid less for myself,” was his straightforward reply.

So, what really makes Neymar proud then? “I’m proud that I’ve achieved my childhood goal. That was, and is, most important to me. 

“As a player you always have to show who you are and assert yourself. Just referring to the transfer fee does not help you and says nothing about how good you really are,” another smart reply followed.

Brazil hope for a successful World Cup campaign this year after crashing out in the semi-finals last time after a 1-7 humiliation to Germany. Neymar missed that match ago due to injury, but still feels the hunger for revenge heading into the competition in Russia.

“That was a huge defeat for every Brazilian. And of course, for me. Although I was not there on the field, I belonged to the team. I felt as beaten as the team was and was affected like everyone else. 

“The expectations in our own country were almost inhumanly high and Germany were excellent opponents. We knew it would be hard. Unfortunately, it came in such a manner. 

“Now we finally have the opportunity to wipe out the bitter memory of the last World Cup. Maybe we will meet Germany again and then hopefully, there will be a real revenge,” Neymar said.

Asked if his presence would have made some difference in that disastrous evening, Neymar added: “I would definitely, very much, like to play this game again, with me in the field. I think the result then would have been different if I was there. I’m pretty sure of that. 

“Unfortunately, I have had to accept fate, even if it’s hard to do so.”

Talking about his experience so far in Paris St Germain and life in France, Neymar said: “Most importantly, I was in good form after I arrived, played decent games and we won some titles this season. 

“I feel well in Paris. The difference between French and Brazilians is huge, though. The Brazilians are basically more relaxed than the Europeans. In comparison, Europeans are very disciplined in many areas of life.”

What would he call the biggest mistake he has made so far in life? Neymar answered: “I made a lot of mistakes and I cannot specify one. 

“Ultimately, I always learnt from them and many things would certainly not happen to me today if I didn't learn.”