A former Brazil international believes Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar still has a lot of "growing" to do, and thinks he knows why Selecao manager Tite gave him the captain's armband.

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The 26-year-old, who was heavily criticised for his antics during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, was recently named his country's permanent captain following his manager's decision to scrap his controversial armband rotation policy.

Former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva feels the football federation has given Neymar the armband in order to try and protect him, and make him "understand responsibility".

"I believe they want to protect Neymar more because of the criticism he received at the World Cup," the former Gunner said, as quoted by FourFourTwo.

"And also to remind him that he has a greater responsibility towards the team, for what he represents and in the football world.

"The captaincy is for him to understand responsibility as something positive, as a personal growth.

"It's important to keep his focus and to put the criticism aside. He still has a lot to do in terms of growing."

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Neymar got his captaincy reign off to a good start as Brazil beat the United States 2-0 in an international friendly on Sunday.

Do you think it was a good idea to make Neymar captain of Brazil? Have your say in the comments section below.