Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli says he is still hopeful of being involved with Brazil’s Olympic squad, even though the games have been postponed until 2021.
The Tokyo games have been postponed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and Martinelli had been part of the Olympic squad earlier this year.
“I am happy for the recognition, for the idea of my name in the Brazilian team,” Martinelli said. “It is a dream that I have had since I started playing football.
“Playing in the Olympics is the dream of any player and I am included in that. I was very happy when I saw my name on the list and I hope to be prepared to do my best when the matches happen.”
The player still has not made a choice between representing Brazil and Italy. Martinelli was born and raised in Brazil but has an Italian passport and can represent them if he chooses to.
“There is still no final decision, but, certainly, representing my country is a privilege that would honour me a lot.”
