Liverpool ace Firmino’s gutting comments after Brazil World Cup snub

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Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino’s comments on regaining his place in the Brazil squad have resurfaced after the 31-year-old failed to make the 26-man list for the World Cup. Firmino is one of several high-profile Premier League stars to miss out on travelling to Qatar later this month. 

The Reds ace has enjoyed an improvement in form recently, and in September revealed that he was ‘anxious’ to earn a recall to the Brazil squad. He has not played for his country since the 2021 Copa America final loss to Argentina, with injuries and poor performances meaning head coach Tite has preferred other attackers. 

But eight goals and four assists this term meant Firmino harboured hopes of a recall. He told ESPN in September: “I’ll be fine, but anxious. Let’s put it this way. Anxious and very hopeful to be [called up]. I’m working towards it. I want to be, I’ll fight as far as I can get. 

“The past doesn’t matter anymore. Now new things have come up, so I’m really motivated. I’m ready to return to the national team if the manager calls me. I have to keep doing my job here at Liverpool. 

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“[My plan] is to keep evolving and, god willing, I’ll return to the national team. I dream of being at the World Cup, I want to be there. I’ll continue my work here to be prepared when the manager calls me.

“I’m sad that I didn’t go to the [recent Brazil matches]. There were some unforeseen injuries, things like that is in the past, I think positive, I think always ahead.

“I see a lot of the current moment, which is a good moment. I’ve been trying to evolve too and I’ll be ready if the manager needs me and I’ll go with great joy to represent my country.

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“I want to be called up, go back to the national team, be there. I want to show my potential, that I can help the national team and my teammates who are there.”

Firmino’s dreams have been dashed, though, with Tite leaving him out in favour of a glitzy attacking line-up. Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United forward Antony, and Tottenham’s Richarlison are among the Premier League forwards who Brazil have turned to. 

Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. They were the last South American nation to win the competition. 

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