Santos attacker Gabigol was called up to Brazil’s senior squad for the first time by Dunga, to replace Neymar who is suspended for the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday.
Gabigol, who played the Olympic national team’s friendly against Nigeria, said he was sleeping in his room with Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, when he was told that team coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi wanted to talk to him. However, the 19-year-old hopes to make his contribution to the national team, and rejected claims that he will replace Neymar. He said: “Taking the vacant spot left by Neymar is very good, but I will not replace him. He’s our captain and our number 10, I hope to add something different. I’m not replacing Neymar or any other player in the selection.”
“I did not expect the call up. I was in my room this morning. I was with Andreas Pereira and we agreed to sleep more, and then have breakfast. Then the phone rang. I was very happy.”
Santos attacker Gabigol was called up to Brazil’s senior squad for the first time by Dunga, to replace Neymar who is suspended for the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday.
Gabigol, who played the Olympic national team’s friendly against Nigeria, said he was sleeping in his room with Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira, when he was told that team coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi wanted to talk to him. However, the 19-year-old hopes to make his contribution to the national team, and rejected claims that he will replace Neymar. He said: “Taking the vacant spot left by Neymar is very good, but I will not replace him. He’s our captain and our number 10, I hope to add something different. I’m not replacing Neymar or any other player in the selection.”
“I did not expect the call up. I was in my room this morning. I was with Andreas Pereira and we agreed to sleep more, and then have breakfast. Then the phone rang. I was very happy.”
