What Joao Pedro did for Brazil teammates who were picked in World Cup squad over him
Joao Pedro's classy response to being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad in heartbreaking fashion has emerged.
The Chelsea star looked a shoo-in to make Carlo Ancelotti's 26-man squad after an impressive first season for the Blues, scoring 20 times in all competitions after a £60 million move from Brighton.
Pedro's family and friends had all gathered to watch the squad announcement but were left disappointed after he failed to make the cut.
Despite a strong season, attackers Raphinha, Neymar, Matheus Cunha, Luiz Henrique, Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick, Rayan and Igor Thiago were all selected ahead of the 24-year-old.
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Commenting on the tough call, Ancelotti said: "Obviously, we were sad for Joao Pedro, because for the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list."
Despite the disheartening news, Pedro continued to show support for his teammates and liked the Instagram posts from Vinicius Jr and Endrick where they shared their delight at being called up for the Selecao.
Joao Pedro posts statement after Brazil World Cup snub
Pedro also put out a statement regarding his omission from the World Cup, stressing that he remains "calm and focused" and will be "just another fan cheering" for the showpiece.
"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."
Brazil are targeting a sixth World Cup triumph and a first since 2002. They have been placed in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland and Haiti for the inaugural 48-team tournament with games in New Jersey, Philadelphia and Miami.
There is further representation from the Premier League in Alisson Becker, Gabriel, Bruno Guimaraes and the veteran Casemiro, who will leave Manchester United after his final game on Sunday.
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
Brazil will take on Panama and Egypt in World Cup warm-up fixtures before the tournament gets underway in North America.
Topics: Brazil, FIFA World Cup
Josh Lawless