‘Never a doubt’ – National team coordinator says Arsenal star has chosen which country to play for

Brazil manager Tite today called up the squad which will take part in the first couple of fixtures of the World Cup qualifiers later this month.

There’s been a little expectation around Gabriel Martinelli, since he could have been one of the strikers to be selected by the manager.

The hurry to get the 18-year-old is because he can still choose to play for either Brazil or Italy. Since he’s still to make an official appearance for either of the country’s senior teams, he’s available for both.

Martinelli hasn’t been named by Tite, but was called up a few minutes later, when manager André Jardine announced the U23 squad for upcoming friendlies.

Brazil’s youth levels coordinator Branco has spoken to the local press about the Arsenal starlet, and claimed that he’s already made his mind up, and will be representing Brazil in the future.

“There was never any doubt. Brazil is his national team, his heart. I spoke in person and on the phone,” said Branco (via Gazeta Esportiva).

“Juninho personally, Rogério spoke to him. So much so that he was called up again. We believe since the under-20, when he was called the first time. Tite too. Martinelli is on our radar. His mentality is all within the national team. It is his focus.”

The Arsenal player himself has never confirmed he’ll choose Brazil, so that’s something that could still change in the future.