Martinelli seeks to silence his doubters

Gabriel Martinelli insisted yesterday that he deserves his surprise call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad despite many doubters back home.

The 21-year-old Arsenal star only made his debut for the South American giants as a substitute against Chile in March but he impressed coach Tite in two more short cameos since to make the tournament squad ahead of the likes of Liverpool’s Robert Firmino.

But the news took many aback in his homeland. “I don’t pay much attention to people that don’t know me, that don’t know how hard I work. I just have to focus on football, listen to my family and the people close to me,” he retorted.