Arsenal winger knows he deserves the Brazil national team call-up

Arsenal, who currently sit top of the Premier League table, will see a number of their players grace the World Cup stage for their nations. Among them is a young forward who has received his share of criticism since joining the London club back in 2019 from Ituano - Gunners' faithful have waited for a while for Garbiel Martinelli to be fit enough and confident enough to show his qualities on the pitch.

And even though both Arsenal and Martinelli are in great form and perform well, there are those back in Brazil who see Tite's preference for Martinelli over some players as laughable. The 21-year-old's inclusion in the World Cup squad - ahead of Copa Libertadores' star Gabigol, or Roberto Firmino - was branded 'a joke' by former international player Neto, who claimed Brazilians don't know who he is.

Despite the criticism over the decision, Martinelli has defended his call-up for the World Cup.

'I think this is normal. Some people in Brazil don't know me and it's also normal to say that other players deserved to be there. But I'm pretty cool about it. I think this is normal.' Martinelli responded to the claims when he told ESPN Brasil.

'I know what I'm doing at my club, I know my ability and I know what I can do. And you can be sure that I will do my best for the Brazilian team, in whatever I can help the team I will help. It will be a great experience for me.'

The Arsenal forward has played just three times for his national side, with no goals as of yet, but club performances helped to secure his place in Tite's team. He was an important part of Brazil's under-23 squad which won Olympic gold at the Games in Tokyo last summer.

Many of his teammates from the Emirates Stadium also made the cut with their respective national squads and it bodes well for the quick-footed Brazilian.

'It's good for Arsenal to have players in the World Cup. And everyone was very happy, we are a very united team. There was also the call-up of Bukayo (Saka), Aaron (Ramsdale), Ben (White), so we are happy for each other.' Martinelli added.

'We know that we are at the top of the Premier League, but this is just the beginning, and that we still have a lot of work to do.'

Brazil's campaign in Qatar begins against Serbia on November 24, before facing up to Switzerland and Cameroon in their remaining Group G matches.

The 21-year-old forms part of Brazil's frontline which also includes fellow Gunner Gabriel Jesus, alongside Neymar, Antony and Vinicius Junior.

Arsenal's final match before the World Cup is a Premier League fixture away at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday night.