Joao Pedro issues statement after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad as Carlo Ancelotti addresses decision
Joao Pedro has released an emotional statement after the Chelsea forward was left out of Brazil's 26-man World Cup squad.
On Monday evening, head coach Carlo Ancelotti made some much-talked-about selections ahead of the tournament, with Neymar making the cut alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago and Bournemouth forward Rayan.
Meanwhile, a host of big-name players missed out, including Estevao Willian, Savinho, Thiago Silva and Richarlison, but arguably the most shocking omission was Joao Pedro.
Pedro has been one of Chelsea's standout performers this season following his £60 million move from Brighton. As well as notching 15 goals and five assists in 34 Premier League games, the striker has featured for the national team.
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But clearly that wasn't enough to sway Ancelotti, who picked Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan and Igor Thiago as his attacking options.
Reacting to his omission on Monday night, Pedro delivered a classy response.
“I tried to give my best at all times," he wrote on his Instagram story. "Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfill this dream of representing my country in a World Cup, but I remain calm and focused, as I always try to be."
“Joys and frustrations are part of football," he added. "From now on, I wish good luck to everyone who is there and I will be just another fan cheering for them to bring the sixth title home."
Carlo Ancelotti addresses decision to drop Joao Pedro from his World Cup squad
Speaking in his press conference on Monday, an apologetic Ancelotti was asked about Pedro's omission.
“There are the individual characteristics of the players," he began. "Obviously, we were sad for Joao Pedro, because for the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list."
“Unfortunately, with all possible awareness, with all possible respect, and with all possible competence, we chose other players. We are sorry for Joao Pedro, as for everyone else.”
As expected, Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes made the cut alongside several other Premier League representatives, including Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes.
Real Madrid forward Endrick was also named after an impressive loan spell at Lyon but the big talking point was Neymar's inclusion.
"We spent the entire year analysing Neymar," Ancelotti said in his press conference. "We realised that in this last period he had continuity and was in good physical condition."
Brazil's 26-man squad for World Cup in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson Becker, Ederson, Weverton
Defenders: Marquinhos, Gabriel, Gleison Bremer, Leo Pereira, Roger Ibanez, Wesley Franca, Danilo, Alex Sandro, Douglas Santos
Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Fabinho, Danilo, Lucas Paqueta
Forwards: Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Neymar, Endrick, Rayan, Igor Thiago
Topics: Brazil, FIFA World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti
Jack Kenmare