Brazil coach Tite left a few big names out of his 2019 Copa America squad, and one of the snubbed stars has now reacted to his omission.
Read: Brazil's Copa America Snubbed XI
The hosts have started the 2019 tournament with two wins and a draw to top Group A. They will now face Paraguay in the quarter-finals, but some of the Selecao's biggest stars can only watch their countrymen from home.
One of the biggest surprises was Fabinho's omission from Tite's squad after the midfielder impressed during his debut season for Liverpool, helping the Reds finish second in the Premier League and lift the club's sixth UEFA Champions League title.
"After playing in four post-World Cup games, I was very keen to be in the Copa America," he told SportTV, as translated to English, when asked about his omission.
"I was a bit surprised and upset, I wanted to play this competition in my country. As we had to think about the Champions League final, I tried to forget it as soon as possible."
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Fabinho was not in Tite's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but hopes he will be part of his country's selection for the tournament in Qatar in 2022.
"Qatar is a goal that I have in my career, playing for a World Cup. I will fight and do my best in my club to be there," he added.
"Today, I am midfielder, in my team I play a lot more in the midfield.
"Tite already called me twice as a side (right-back), he saw that I can play in that position too, it's my starting position. But today, his first choice, and the one I play, is the midfield."
Read: Copa America Quarter-Final Fixtures Revealed
Do you think Tite made a mistake in snubbing Fabinho for his Copa America squad? Have your say in the comments section below.
