Cafu urges Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes to keep going despite Brazil snub
Arsenal star Gabriel Magalhaes has been told not to lose heart over his lack of call-ups to the Brazil national team by football legend Cafu.
Gabriel has been a rock at the back for Arsenal since joining them from Lille in 2020, with his efforts helping his side come close to beating Manchester City to the Premier League title.
But despite his great performances, the 25-year-old is yet to capped by Brazil at senior level, despite making his debut in the youth ranks six years ago.
Why hasn’t Gabriel been called up?
He was controversially left out of Tite’s squad for the Qatar World Cup, though his Arsenal teammates Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli did make the cut.
But even in the last international break, Gabriel was once again snubbed, with 19-year-old Robert Renan called-up instead, despite the fact that the Zenit Saint Petersburg centre-back has played just 24 games in his entire career.
Gabriel has been vocal about his frustration over the lack of recognition from his country, but Cafu, Brazil’s most-capped player and arguably the greatest right-back of all-time, believes he just needs to continue his good work for Arsenal.
What did Cafu say?
‘Gabriel Magalhaes, keep it up. One day your chance will come,’ he told FUTBIN.
‘It didn’t happen this time but don’t be discouraged, things happen for a reason. Keep doing what you’re doing, keep getting Arsenal where you want to be, the Premier League title.
‘And continue your career. You weren’t called up this time but you could be called up in the future.’
What’s next for Gabriel?
Gabriel’s place in Mikel Arteta’s first XI has been guaranteed since he signed but that might change for the new season following the arrival of Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
That said, he has started both of Arsenal’s pre-season games so far, and was even handed the captain’s armband for the draw against Nurnberg.
He could next be in action on Saturday when the Gunners take on Manchester United in New York.
Arsenal’s season kicks-off with the Community Shield against City on 6th August before their first Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on the 12th.
Conclusion
Gabriel Magalhaes has been a key player for Arsenal since joining them from Lille in 2020, and despite his impressive performances, he is yet to be capped by Brazil at senior level.
But football legend Cafu has urged him not to lose heart over his lack of call-ups and to keep doing what he’s doing for Arsenal.
Gabriel has started both of Arsenal’s pre-season games so far and could next be in action on Saturday when they take on Manchester United in New York.
Arsenal’s season kicks-off with the Community Shield against City on 6th August before their first Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on the 12th.