Liverpool star Roberto Firmino is one of the many Brazilian attackers who are hopeful of having a place in the squad for the World Cup this year.
Due to injuries and the drop of his form with the Reds, the 30-year-old wasn’t called up for any of the games the national team had in 2022.
That’s a big reason for him to be concerned about missing the tournament, even though there’s still time to get his place back.
Brazil manager Tite is calling up the squad for the friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia on Friday, and this is the last group before the final list for the World Cup, so this will be a big sign of who’ll be at the tournament or not.
So today, ESPN Brasil journalist João Castelo Branco features an interview with the Liverpool striker.
There, Firmino claimed he wants to leave the past behind and get hopeful that he’ll clinch a place in the squad.
“That’s gone, 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 professor calls me. Of course, I have to keep doing my job here at Liverpool, That’s what I’ve been looking for. It’s to keep evolving and, God willing, I’ll return to the national team. Of course I dream of being at the World Cup, I want to be there. I’ll continue my work here to be prepared when the professor calls me,” Firmino told ESPN Brasil.
“No, I’ve always been a relaxed guy. Of course I’m sad that I didn’t go to the other ones (calls up), of course there were some unforeseen injuries, things like that, but it’s like I said, it’s in the past, I think positive, I think always in front. I see a lot of the moment, the now, what I’ve been living, which is a good moment.
For the centre-forward position, Firmino fights the likes of Richarlison, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Barbosa, Matheus Cunha and Pedro, but he claims not to think about that.
“Firstly I want to be called up (laughs)… 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. And there we will see who my ‘competitors’ that professor Tite will elect. That’s not up to me. First of all, the thought is to be there.”
“I’ll be fine, but anxious. Let’s put it this way. Anxious and very hopeful to be too. I’m working towards it. I want to be, I’ll fight as far as I can get. I’m going to be really anxious and looking forward to it, I hope I’m in.”
