Marta, all time World Cup top scorer issued a plea for women of Brazil to get involved in the game after her team was defeated in the quarter-finals of Women’s World Cup by France.
Brazil fell behind early in the second half when Valerie Gauvin scored from a close range following a Kadidiatou Diani cross.
Thaisa equalised 11 minutes later for Brazil, there were no goal after in normal time, in extra time Amandine Henry broke Brazilian hearts when she scored from a free kick in the second period of extra-time.
Brazil were knocked out of the quarter-finals for second consecutive time.
The Orlando Pride player in the post game interview had some words of inspiration for young Brazilian girls.
"Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end"
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019
Marta's message for Brazil's next generation will give you CHILLS. 💛💚 pic.twitter.com/waDAFlgM4F
“It’s about wanting more,”
the 33-year-old forward told Fox Sports.
“It’s training more. It’s taking care of yourself more. It’s about being ready to play 90 plus 30 minutes.
“This is what I ask of the girls.”
The six-time FIFA Women’ player of the year went on to address the aging nature of the current Brazil squad.
“There’s not going to be a Formiga forever, “There’s not going to be a Marta forever. There’s not going to be Cristiane.”
the Orlando Pride player continued.
“The women’s game depends on you to survive. So think about that. Value it more.”
“Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end.”
She knows that the next generation must come through if Brazil are to continue to feature on the world stage, and hopes that her words will inspire a continuation of the growth in interest, despite their defeat on Sunday.