The last time many people saw Neymar he was being stretchered from the pitch in agony after a crude challenge during Brazil's 2-1 quarter-final win over Colombia that ended his World Cup.
A host of pundits immediately announced Brazil's chances of winning the tournament ended with the talismanic playmaker's fractured vertebra, but the hosts face Germany in the last four with every chance of progressing.
But the 22-year-old insists his World Cup dream is still alive despite Juan Zuniga's agricultural attack, which left him writhing on the floor with damage to his spine.
And in a video released by the Brazilian Soccer Federation, the Barcelona star said he would be with his teammates as they looked to keep the FIFA World Cup Trophy on home soil.
"I'm certain my team-mates will do everything so my dream, which is to be a champion, comes true," said Neymar, who scored four goals in the five games he played.
"My dream was also to play in a World Cup final, but this time it didn't work out.
"I am sure they will win this Cup and be champions, and I will be with them, and all Brazilians will soon be celebrating all of that.
"It's a very difficult moment, I have no words to translate what is going through my head and my heart. I'd just like to say I will be back as quickly as possible; when you least expect it, I'll be back."
According to Brazil's team doctor Jose Luiz Runco, Neymar has not suffered any neurological complications from the injury and is expected to make a full recovery despite leaving the stadium on a drip.
Neymar was treated at the Sao Carlos Hospital in Fortaleza before flying back to Rio with his teammates on Friday, and taken by ambulance to Brazil's training camp in Teresopolis.
He was airlifted home by helicopter the next day
Juan Zuniga has apologised for hurting Neymar with Fifa's disciplinary committee said to be considering retrospective action against the Colombian player.
"I deeply regret the sad injury that Neymar suffered during the match between Brazil and Colombia," he said.
"Although I feel that these situations are a normal part of the game, there was no intent to injure, malice nor negligence on my part.
"I want to reach out to Neymar, who I admire, respect and consider one of the best players in the world.
"I hope you recover quickly and return to the game soon, so we can all support a sport full of the virtues and qualities that I've tried to follow in my 12 years as a professional player."
