Gabriel Sara on his call-up: “It’s the chance of a lifetime” | OneFootball

Called up to the Brazilian National Team for the first time, midfielder Gabriel Sara, of Galatasaray in Turkey, said he is at coach Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal for whatever position is needed and highlighted that he has earned “the opportunity of a lifetime.” In his first interview as a Seleção player, at the team hotel in Orlando (USA), he explained how he received the call-up.

“It was a huge surprise. If I had looked three months back, I wouldn’t have imagined being here. It hit me in a very emotional way, living that childhood dream. We look at our past, look at how hard we’ve worked, and feel very grateful, and at the same time I feel very motivated. It’s the beginning of a job, the beginning of a journey, and I hope I can be ready and well enough to give my best and continue (in the group),” he said.

With the goal of establishing himself in the team, Gabriel Sara said he can play in different positions and thus make Ancelotti’s job easier.

"During my time in England – he spent a period at Norwich after transferring from São Paulo – I improved a lot technically and became more mature. I always try to learn as much as possible, in any new position. Nowadays, a player needs to adapt to any role.”

Midfielder says he is ready to play in several positionsCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

With ease and confidence, Gabriel Sara explained the main reasons that led him to leave Norwich and join Galatasaray.

“One of the conversations I had with the people at Galatasaray, and I think it was the way they convinced me to go there, was about the Champions League. The appeal that would have, the first talk we had was about the Champions League and also about the Brazilian National Team. They promised me we would build a competitive team in the Champions League and that this could attract the attention of the National Team. And that’s what happened."

“In fact, every step I’ve taken in my career has been with the goal of reaching the National Team. I’m very calm, very laid-back, and I know it’s not easy (to earn a spot in the Seleção). But the key is to make the most of it, through daily work. Hold on to it with everything you’ve got,” added Gabriel Sara, 26, born in Joinville (SC) and developed in São Paulo’s youth academy.

In the last FIFA window before the World Cup call-up, the Seleção will face France this Thursday (26) and Croatia next Tuesday (31), with both matches taking place in the United States.

Gabriel Sara is one of the Brazil debutants in this FIFA windowCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.