Doha: Delighted on his surprise inclusion in the Brazilian squad, veteran Dani Alves (pictured) is hoping to help Selecao lift their record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar.
With the likes of Aston Villa midfielder Philippe Coutinho and Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino failing to make the 26-man Brazil squad, the 39-year-old defender got a call-up from manager Tite, who described the veteran as an “articulator.”
Alves, who has 124 international caps to his name, was not expected to make the cut in the World Cup side after he joined Mexico’s Liga MX side UNAM from Barcelona in the summer.
The former PSG player is currently undergoing rehabilitation to overcome a knee injury that has prevented him from action for over a month. However, he is expected to be completely fit before he joins Brazil’s pre-World Cup camp in Turin on November 14.
Four years ago, Alves, who featured in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, suffered a heartbreak after he was ruled out of Russia World Cup due to a knee injury.
“The tears that day were of sadness and today they are of joy. I am very happy. Never give up on your dreams, it’s real,” Alves posted on Instagram as he reacted on his inclusion.
“After so much of struggle, so much focus and so much discipline, they were worth it because they brought me here,” he added. Tite, while announcing the Brazil squad, said Alves “adds technical and tactical aspects that are impressive, to be an organiser, an articulator.”
Alves said he will do his best to live up to his coach’s expectations during the World Cup.
“I’m here to prove it. We are not here to please everyone, nor it is my goal, but we are here not to fail those who trust in our dedication,” he said.
Brazil, captained by Neymar, will be looking to end 20-year World Cup drought at Qatar 2022. Entering the tournament as hot favourites, Brazil will take on Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in Group G.
The Selecao will begin their title hunt with a match against Serbia on November 24 at the 80,000-seater Lusail Stadium.
