Roberto Firmino reacts to World Cup snub from Brazil’s squad

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As Brazil’s 26-man squad for the Qatar World Cup was announced on Monday, one notable omission was that of Roberto Firmino.

After being past his best for the last two seasons, the 31-year old has undergone a surprising redemption arc for Liverpool this season.

With Mohamed Salah misfiring and Darwin Nunez still finding his feet at Anfield, it has been the ex-Hoffenheim forward that has carried an underperforming Reds side this term.

From a statistical point of view as well, the fleet-footed technician has outscored (6) the likes of Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus (5) and Gabriel Martinelli (5), Manchester United’s Antony (3) and Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison (0) in the Premier League.

Yet, it is Firmino that has suffered the snub from the showpiece event, while his compatriots have their seats reserved on the plane to Qatar.

Perhaps most surprisingly, even Flamengo sensation Pedro, who remains an unknown commodity in Europe has got the call-up ahead of the Liverpool legend.

As many fans and pundits alike have questioned the rationale behind his exclusion, the man himself shared his thoughts via an honest Instagram post.

“Passing by to say thank you for all the lovely messages. The World Cup is a dream for every player and with me, it wouldn’t be any different”, he said.

Roberto Firmino continued, “Yesterday [Monday], things didn’t go the way I imagined or dreamed for my life but I can look back and have a grateful heart to God that he has already allowed me to live that dream as well as so many others. You, Lord will keep me in perfect peace, Him whose purpose is firm, because he who trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3).”

“I take this opportunity here to pay my respect and congratulate all those summoned. It was, is and will always be an honour to defend my country, especially with the gift that the Lord gave me. I stay here confident that God has the best for me and hoping that hexa comes. ‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ (Jeremiah 29:11). #Jesusyouareenough.”

Perhaps the only rationale behind Roberto Firmino’s omission is the fact that Tite’s men already have players that thrive centrally, such as Gabriel Jesus and Rodrygo in particular, which perhaps made the highly-acclaimed false nine surplus to requirements.