João Pedro has admitted he fell short of fulfilling his World Cup “dream” after Carlo Ancelotti left the Chelsea forward out of Brazil’s final squad.
The 24-year-old missed out despite winning Chelsea Men’s Player of the Season just hours after Brazil confirmed their 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament.
João Pedro received more than 60 per cent of the votes in Chelsea’s online poll after an impressive debut season in which he scored 20 goals.
But that form was not enough to earn him a place in Ancelotti’s squad, with Brazil instead naming Neymar, Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Matheus Cunha, and Gabriel Martinelli among their attacking options.
Writing on Instagram after the announcement, João Pedro said: “I tried to give my best at all times.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to fulfil 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. 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.”
Ancelotti confirmed his final squad on Monday at an event held by the CBF at the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro.
The 66-year-old was asked about João Pedro’s absence and admitted the Chelsea forward “probably deserved” to be included after his season in Europe.
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Ancelotti fails to explain Pedro absence
“I understand that people say European soccer is different, that it’s more intense, but we have to take many things into account,” Ancelotti said.
“As we’ve said before, playing soccer here is very complicated, a grueling schedule, travel, the heat, it’s hard to compare.
“Then there are the players’ individual characteristics. Of course, we’re sad about João Pedro.
“Given the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but, unfortunately, with all due awareness and respect, we chose another player. I’m sorry for João Pedro and everyone else.”
Brazil can only alter the squad in the event of injury. Ancelotti can replace outfield players up to one day before their World Cup opener, while FIFA allows goalkeeper changes during the tournament if one of the three selected keepers suffers an injury.
The Selecao, who are one of the favourites to win the World Cup, will report to Granja Comary in Teresópolis on May 27 before facing Panama in a farewell friendly at the Maracanã on May 31.
Brazil will then play Egypt in the United States on June 6 before opening their World Cup campaign against Morocco in New Jersey on June 13.
They also face Haiti on June 19 before completing their Group C campaign against Scotland on June 24.
Brazil names star-studded squad
Neymar made the squad despite recent doubts over his fitness. Ancelotti also selected Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Endrick, Gabriel Martinelli, Igor Thiago, Luiz Henrique, Matheus Cunha and Rayan in attack.
Alisson, Ederson and Weverton take the three goalkeeper spots. Gabriel Magalhães also makes the squad, joining Marquinhos, Bremer, Danilo, Alex Sandro and Wesley among Ancelotti’s defensive options.
Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Fabinho, Lucas Paquetá and Danilo make up the midfield options as Brazil begin their bid to win a sixth World Cup title.
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