Rio de Janeiro, July 27 (IANS): Brazilian football star Neymar wants to play in both next year's Copa America and the Rio Olympics.

The Barcelona forward said he was prepared to begin the 2016-17 European season without a break, reports Xinhua.

"I really want to play in the Olympics and the Copa America too. I'm hungry. I am stating it now that I want to play in both," Neymar said on Sunday.

The special centenary edition of the Copa America will be played from June 3 to 26 in the United States and the Olympic tournament will be held from August 3 to 20.

Neymar will miss the opening two matches of Brazil's World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela in October due to suspension. His debut in the qualifying campaign will be an away clash against Argentina in November. The 23-year-old said Brazil face a tough task to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"We know how difficult it will be, both home and away. In Brazil we are going to be under pressure, which is normal. But even away from home the fans are going to have high expectations," he said.