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Messi in tax probe
Ramos: Casillas is an icon for Spain and Madrid
Santos confirms Robinho talks with AC Milan
The Brazilian side has revealed it has held discussions with the Rossoneri about bringing the forward back to his homeland Santos president Odilio Rodrigues has admitted the club has opened talks with AC Milan about the possibility of buying Robinho this summer.
Peixe are looking to replace Neymar, who joined Barcelona for57 million euros at the start of June and Rodrigues has revealed that the club is looking at the possibility of bringing the former Real Madrid and Manchester City playmaker back to his homeland.
“We look forward to a brief reply [from Milan], later this week. We want to understand whether the purchase [of Robinho] may be feasible or not, but I think so,” Rodrigues told reporters.“Currently there are ongoing negotiations for anyone, we are testing the market but at the moment there are no announcements to make."
Robinho himself was a little more coy was recently quizzed on his future in Italy.
“Will I return to Santos? Right now it's a question I cannot answer, but it is clear that Santos is my boyhood club and I have many good memories of my time there,” he said.The 29-year-old was a reported target for Santos back in January but the clubs failed to reach an agreement. His contract at San Siro expires in June 2014.
The Brazilian side has revealed it has held discussions with the Rossoneri about bringing the forward back to his homeland Santos president Odilio Rodrigues has admitted the club has opened talks with AC Milan about the possibility of buying Robinho this summer.
Peixe are looking to replace Neymar, who joined Barcelona for57 million euros at the start of June and Rodrigues has revealed that the club is looking at the possibility of bringing the former Real Madrid and Manchester City playmaker back to his homeland.
“We look forward to a brief reply [from Milan], later this week. We want to understand whether the purchase [of Robinho] may be feasible or not, but I think so,” Rodrigues told reporters.“Currently there are ongoing negotiations for anyone, we are testing the market but at the moment there are no announcements to make."
Robinho himself was a little more coy was recently quizzed on his future in Italy.
“Will I return to Santos? Right now it's a question I cannot answer, but it is clear that Santos is my boyhood club and I have many good memories of my time there,” he said.The 29-year-old was a reported target for Santos back in January but the clubs failed to reach an agreement. His contract at San Siro expires in June 2014.
Wenger: Arsenal's tour of Asia will benefit squad
The trip aims to increase the Gunners' commercial profile, and the manager feels it will help broaden the older and younger members of the party's horizons ahead of the new term.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes club's upcoming tour of Asia will be beneficial to the squad, especially the younger members as they broaden their horizons.
The Gunners will start with an exhibition match against an Indonesian XI in front of over 80,000 in Jakarta before a fixture in Vietnam and a the trip to Japan with friendlies against Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Reds.
"To live together within a completely different environment for a couple of weeks will profit the team," Wenger told the club's official website.
He added, "It's a good period for them and I believe for a young boy to discover different cultures and different ways of thinking, having an exchange of experiences with different people who have an entirely different culture, can only benefit them.
"To live together within a different environment for a couple of weeks will profit the team as well."
Arsenal is expecting sellout venues along the length of the tour, and Wenger hopes experiences of the team's global reach will put the the Gunners' size into perspective ahead of the new season.
"It is always nice to see that you are loved and famous all over the world," continued Wenger. "When you live in your bubble you don't always realize how big Arsenal is."
The trip aims to increase the Gunners' commercial profile, and the manager feels it will help broaden the older and younger members of the party's horizons ahead of the new term.Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes club's upcoming tour of Asia will be beneficial to the squad, especially the younger members as they broaden their horizons.
The Gunners will start with an exhibition match against an Indonesian XI in front of over 80,000 in Jakarta before a fixture in Vietnam and a the trip to Japan with friendlies against Nagoya Grampus and Urawa Reds.
"To live together within a completely different environment for a couple of weeks will profit the team," Wenger told the club's official website.
He added, "It's a good period for them and I believe for a young boy to discover different cultures and different ways of thinking, having an exchange of experiences with different people who have an entirely different culture, can only benefit them.
"To live together within a different environment for a couple of weeks will profit the team as well."
Arsenal is expecting sellout venues along the length of the tour, and Wenger hopes experiences of the team's global reach will put the the Gunners' size into perspective ahead of the new season.
"It is always nice to see that you are loved and famous all over the world," continued Wenger. "When you live in your bubble you don't always realize how big Arsenal is."
David Villa denies wanting English Premier League move
Villa curtly told Goal that he isn't interested in a move to England's top flight despite rumors linking the Spanish player to the league BRONX, N.Y. -- After Neymar's arrival at Barcelona, news outlets in Spain and England are both speculating that David Villa's future will be with one of the Premier League's top sides.
Apparently, Villa didn't get the memo.
As the 31-year-old was exiting Yankee Stadium after Spain's 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, Goal caught up with the striker and asked if he was interested in playing in the English Premier League.
Villa stopped, shook his head disagreeably and told Goal, "No."
Villa wouldn't comment if he was happy with his current situation at Barcelona but faces an uncertain future with the team.
The former Valencia forward wants to play in next year's World Cup and considering the amount of competition that La Roja has at his position, it is unlikely that he will receive call ups if he isn't a starter on his team. Barcelona currently plays with three forwards up top and Villa would have to compete with Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro and possibly even Gerard Deulofeu for playing time.
Adding to Barca's willingness to sell Villa is the financial element of keeping him. Villa is one of the club's top earners, making over 200,000 euros a week, which would cast him as a very expensive backup.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with the Spanish player and it is rumored that he is available at a cut-price deal of under 10 million pounds. Villa has scored 235 goals and dished 65 assists in 461 appearances for clubs Sporting Gijón, Zaragoza, Valencia and Barcelona.
Villa curtly told Goal that he isn't interested in a move to England's top flight despite rumors linking the Spanish player to the league BRONX, N.Y. -- After Neymar's arrival at Barcelona, news outlets in Spain and England are both speculating that David Villa's future will be with one of the Premier League's top sides.
Apparently, Villa didn't get the memo.
As the 31-year-old was exiting Yankee Stadium after Spain's 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, Goal caught up with the striker and asked if he was interested in playing in the English Premier League.
Villa stopped, shook his head disagreeably and told Goal, "No."
Villa wouldn't comment if he was happy with his current situation at Barcelona but faces an uncertain future with the team.
The former Valencia forward wants to play in next year's World Cup and considering the amount of competition that La Roja has at his position, it is unlikely that he will receive call ups if he isn't a starter on his team. Barcelona currently plays with three forwards up top and Villa would have to compete with Lionel Messi, Neymar, Alexis Sanchez, Pedro and possibly even Gerard Deulofeu for playing time.
Adding to Barca's willingness to sell Villa is the financial element of keeping him. Villa is one of the club's top earners, making over 200,000 euros a week, which would cast him as a very expensive backup.
Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal have been linked with the Spanish player and it is rumored that he is available at a cut-price deal of under 10 million pounds. Villa has scored 235 goals and dished 65 assists in 461 appearances for clubs Sporting Gijón, Zaragoza, Valencia and Barcelona.
Rodgers keen to expand 'paper-thin' Liverpool squad
The Reds manager feels that his side was unable to give the FA Cup and League Cup its full attention last season but aims to have "a proper go" after signing more players.Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to bulking out the number of players in his squad in order to have "a proper go" at the FA Cup and League Cup.
The Reds are close to signing Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, in addition to securing Kolo Toure as a free agent, as they begin a busy summer, the boss's goal to expand on the "paper-thin" playing staff of 2012-13.
The Northern Irishman pointed to the impact of January signings Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge as proof of the revitalizing effect of additional players.
"This time, we'll certainly give the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup a proper go - we have a much better squad to do that," Rodgers told reporters. "We had a paper-thin squad last year, we had kids all the way through. Obviously those players who have come in [in January] have added quality and it's no coincidence that we have kicked on when we've had quality in the group.
"We need to improve the group and the depth but that's what gives me great hope for the summer. If we can add that, we can make a real start and then we're ready to challenge.
"You can flip it about but it's the depth, really. We just need to build up the depth of the squad. I want to have people who might be disappointed because they're not even on the bench. At the minute we probably don't have that so it's competition we want to get.
"I don't want a massive group; we want a tight group with a real core of 17 or 18 players who feel they should always be playing and then supported by a few of our top young talents."
The Reds manager feels that his side was unable to give the FA Cup and League Cup its full attention last season but aims to have "a proper go" after signing more players.Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is looking forward to bulking out the number of players in his squad in order to have "a proper go" at the FA Cup and League Cup.
The Reds are close to signing Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas, in addition to securing Kolo Toure as a free agent, as they begin a busy summer, the boss's goal to expand on the "paper-thin" playing staff of 2012-13.
The Northern Irishman pointed to the impact of January signings Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge as proof of the revitalizing effect of additional players.
"This time, we'll certainly give the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup a proper go - we have a much better squad to do that," Rodgers told reporters. "We had a paper-thin squad last year, we had kids all the way through. Obviously those players who have come in [in January] have added quality and it's no coincidence that we have kicked on when we've had quality in the group.
"We need to improve the group and the depth but that's what gives me great hope for the summer. If we can add that, we can make a real start and then we're ready to challenge.
"You can flip it about but it's the depth, really. We just need to build up the depth of the squad. I want to have people who might be disappointed because they're not even on the bench. At the minute we probably don't have that so it's competition we want to get.
"I don't want a massive group; we want a tight group with a real core of 17 or 18 players who feel they should always be playing and then supported by a few of our top young talents."
Agent: El Shaarawy will not leave AC Milan
Roberto La Florio insists the Rossoneri forward will not depart San Siro this summer despite Adriano Galliani's claims that he could be sold.AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy will not be leaving the club this summer, according to his agent.
The Italy starlet has been linked with the likes of Manchester City in the past, and Milan CEO Adriano Galliani claimed earlier this week that the club could consider cashing in on the player.
Howveer, Roberto La Florio has moved to clarify Galliani's comments, insisting the club has no plans to allow the 20-year-old to leave.
“The declaration of Galliani should mean something. Two days ago, he said that Stephan was not for sale in a comprehensive fashion,” La Florio told SportItalia.
“Although we can say that the market is a bit crazy and anything can happen, that is indisputable. The boy is doing well at Milan and for us nothing has changed.
"Offers from City? Nobody has called me regarding this. He is Milan through and through and looks great with the Rossoneri."
El Shaarawy is currently preparing with the Italy squad ahead of itsConfederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday.
Roberto La Florio insists the Rossoneri forward will not depart San Siro this summer despite Adriano Galliani's claims that he could be sold.AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy will not be leaving the club this summer, according to his agent.
The Italy starlet has been linked with the likes of Manchester City in the past, and Milan CEO Adriano Galliani claimed earlier this week that the club could consider cashing in on the player.
Howveer, Roberto La Florio has moved to clarify Galliani's comments, insisting the club has no plans to allow the 20-year-old to leave.
“The declaration of Galliani should mean something. Two days ago, he said that Stephan was not for sale in a comprehensive fashion,” La Florio told SportItalia.
“Although we can say that the market is a bit crazy and anything can happen, that is indisputable. The boy is doing well at Milan and for us nothing has changed.
"Offers from City? Nobody has called me regarding this. He is Milan through and through and looks great with the Rossoneri."
El Shaarawy is currently preparing with the Italy squad ahead of itsConfederations Cup opener against Mexico on Sunday.
Fabregas: Barca exit talk 'absurd'
The Spain midfielder has rubbished suggestions he could quit Camp Nou this summer amid reports linking him with Manchester United.
Cesc Fabregas has branded speculation he could leave Barcelona this summer as "absurd."Blaugrana vice president Josep Bartomeu claimed earlier this week that the midfielder could leave the club should he wish, with Manchester United believed to be keeping tabs on the Spain international's future.
Fabregas, however, insists there is no truth in suggestions he could be tempted to quit his boyhood club over the summer."I've always said I'm delighted at Barca. Whoever says I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never talked to me or my agent, because he knows I don't want him to talk with other people about me," he told Marca.
“I'm very private and don't talk about those issues, even with my family. If anybody says something different than that I want to play for Barcelona, that's absurd"
Fabregas is currently preparing with the Spain squad for their Confederations Cup opener against Tahiti this weekend.
The Spain midfielder has rubbished suggestions he could quit Camp Nou this summer amid reports linking him with Manchester United.
Cesc Fabregas has branded speculation he could leave Barcelona this summer as "absurd."Blaugrana vice president Josep Bartomeu claimed earlier this week that the midfielder could leave the club should he wish, with Manchester United believed to be keeping tabs on the Spain international's future.
Fabregas, however, insists there is no truth in suggestions he could be tempted to quit his boyhood club over the summer."I've always said I'm delighted at Barca. Whoever says I'm leaving doesn't know me and has never talked to me or my agent, because he knows I don't want him to talk with other people about me," he told Marca.
“I'm very private and don't talk about those issues, even with my family. If anybody says something different than that I want to play for Barcelona, that's absurd"
Fabregas is currently preparing with the Spain squad for their Confederations Cup opener against Tahiti this weekend.
'UEFA has driven Malaga out of Europe'
The club's general manager Vicente Casado believes the ruling to uphold the Andalusians' ban from continental competition to be unjust and unclear
Malaga claims it “doesn’t understand” the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to uphold the club’s ban from Europe.
Los Boquerones were suspended from participating in the Champions League or Europa League for one full season after UEFA ruled it had failed to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Malaga took its case to CAS but was informed earlier this week that the ban would be upheld - much to the frustration of club general manager Vicente Casado, who insists the reasons behind the club's suspension remain unclear.
“Our immediate reaction is of indignation and a real sense of injustice. We’ve been fighting our corner with the team and the whole city behind us, and we failed,” Vicente Casado told reporters hours after the decision. “We literally feel driven out of the competition. The club has been working tirelessly for a year in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, which was proven by the granting of the UEFA Licence.
“We haven’t had the full explanation as yet, but we don’t understand the basic reasoning behind the decision.”
Along with the ban from European competition, Malaga was also fined 300,000 euros.
The club's general manager Vicente Casado believes the ruling to uphold the Andalusians' ban from continental competition to be unjust and unclear
Malaga claims it “doesn’t understand” the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to uphold the club’s ban from Europe.
Los Boquerones were suspended from participating in the Champions League or Europa League for one full season after UEFA ruled it had failed to adhere to Financial Fair Play regulations.
Malaga took its case to CAS but was informed earlier this week that the ban would be upheld - much to the frustration of club general manager Vicente Casado, who insists the reasons behind the club's suspension remain unclear.
“Our immediate reaction is of indignation and a real sense of injustice. We’ve been fighting our corner with the team and the whole city behind us, and we failed,” Vicente Casado told reporters hours after the decision. “We literally feel driven out of the competition. The club has been working tirelessly for a year in order to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, which was proven by the granting of the UEFA Licence.
“We haven’t had the full explanation as yet, but we don’t understand the basic reasoning behind the decision.”
Along with the ban from European competition, Malaga was also fined 300,000 euros.
Giroud backs Arsenal to be title contenders next season
The France international believes team cohesion should allow Arsene Wenger's side to push the Premier League frontrunners next term, and hopes to establish himself in the side Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud insists the club will be challenging for the Premier League title next season.
Arsene Wenger's side last won the league in 2004 and has been without a trophy in the last eight years.
Last term, Arsenal had secured just five league wins by the start of December which put it 12 points behind league leaders Manchester United, but Giroud has backed Arsenal to be a bigger threat next season.
"If we start better than we did this season, I know that we will compete for the title next year because we are used to playing together now and have improved as a team," Giroud told the club's official website. "We have also improved as individuals throughout the season, especially the newcomers like Santi [Cazorla], Lukas [Podolski] and me.
"It is a massively important season with a lot of challenges. I also want to really establish myself with Arsenal and make a name for myself here."
Giroud arrived from Montpellier last summer and scored 17 goals in all competitions for Wenger's side in his debut campaign.
The France international insists he never considered himself as a replacement for Robin van Persie, who departed the club for Manchester United, and says consistent selection will get the best out of him next season.
"It was not easy [to come to the club after Van Persie] at all," he said. "It was a massive challenge with a positive pressure. I arrived here in a very humble way. I never said I wanted to replace Robin. He needed a few seasons to really be at his best here.
"I hope that as early as my second season, I can play week in week out and keep scoring regularly because it’s key for a striker."
The France international believes team cohesion should allow Arsene Wenger's side to push the Premier League frontrunners next term, and hopes to establish himself in the side Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud insists the club will be challenging for the Premier League title next season.
Arsene Wenger's side last won the league in 2004 and has been without a trophy in the last eight years.
Last term, Arsenal had secured just five league wins by the start of December which put it 12 points behind league leaders Manchester United, but Giroud has backed Arsenal to be a bigger threat next season.
"If we start better than we did this season, I know that we will compete for the title next year because we are used to playing together now and have improved as a team," Giroud told the club's official website. "We have also improved as individuals throughout the season, especially the newcomers like Santi [Cazorla], Lukas [Podolski] and me.
"It is a massively important season with a lot of challenges. I also want to really establish myself with Arsenal and make a name for myself here."
Giroud arrived from Montpellier last summer and scored 17 goals in all competitions for Wenger's side in his debut campaign.
The France international insists he never considered himself as a replacement for Robin van Persie, who departed the club for Manchester United, and says consistent selection will get the best out of him next season.
"It was not easy [to come to the club after Van Persie] at all," he said. "It was a massive challenge with a positive pressure. I arrived here in a very humble way. I never said I wanted to replace Robin. He needed a few seasons to really be at his best here.
"I hope that as early as my second season, I can play week in week out and keep scoring regularly because it’s key for a striker."
Aspas 'excited' as Liverpool move edges closer
The Spanish forward cautiously speaks of his enthusiasm after being understood to have completed a medical on Friday, with his agent confirming that an agreement is near Spanish forward Iago Aspas has spoken of his excitement as his 8.2 million euro move from Celta Vigo to Liverpool moves ever closer.
The 25-year-old, who can play up front or out wide, attracted interest from a number of clubs but revealed that his heart was set on moving to Merseyside as soon as he was aware of the Reds' desire to sign him.
The Celestes star is understood to have had a medical with Liverpool on Wednesday before returning to Spain.
"I'm excited," Aspas told Radio Galega, "but I prefer not to say anything until it becomes an official agreement between the clubs."
While Aspas quietly anticipated his switch, his brother and agent, Jonathan Aspas, also confirmed that the deal is nearing completion.
"There should be no problems," he observed. "Now only bureaucratic issues remain unresolved."
The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season in top-flight football, netting 12 goals to help Celta narrowly avoid relegation from La Liga, also chipping in with seven assists.
The Spanish forward cautiously speaks of his enthusiasm after being understood to have completed a medical on Friday, with his agent confirming that an agreement is near Spanish forward Iago Aspas has spoken of his excitement as his 8.2 million euro move from Celta Vigo to Liverpool moves ever closer.
The 25-year-old, who can play up front or out wide, attracted interest from a number of clubs but revealed that his heart was set on moving to Merseyside as soon as he was aware of the Reds' desire to sign him.
The Celestes star is understood to have had a medical with Liverpool on Wednesday before returning to Spain.
"I'm excited," Aspas told Radio Galega, "but I prefer not to say anything until it becomes an official agreement between the clubs."
While Aspas quietly anticipated his switch, his brother and agent, Jonathan Aspas, also confirmed that the deal is nearing completion.
"There should be no problems," he observed. "Now only bureaucratic issues remain unresolved."
The 25-year-old enjoyed a fine debut season in top-flight football, netting 12 goals to help Celta narrowly avoid relegation from La Liga, also chipping in with seven assists.
Agent: AC Milan was unfair to Ambrosini
Moreno Roggi believes the Rossoneri could have done better by their captain as his 18-year association with the club comes to an end Massimo Ambrosini’s agent Moreno Roggi has criticised AC Milan for its handling of the club captain’s impending departure from San Siro.
The former Italy international joined the club in 1995 and Roggi believes the Rossoneri could have been more forthright with the 36-year-old as his contract neared its conclusion.
“Milan could’ve dealt with the situation better after 18 years together,” he told Radioblu. "He always declined all offers, was impeccably behaved on the field and off, so I hope Milan will give him a worthy send-off.”Roggi confirmed that talks are ongoing over a possible move to West Ham United, though he revealed his client is unlikely to join Serie A rival Fiorentina or MLS side LA Galaxy.
“Massimo did expect this decision, but he was still a bit upset. At this moment, seeing as he feels in good shape physically, we will evaluate offers”, Roggi explained. “The situation is we turned down an offer from Los Angeles. We have negotiations going on with West Ham, but nothing with Fiorentina, as they have not made us any proposals. Having said that, I do hear Ambrosini is on the list for the Viola if David Pizarro leaves.
“We received another offer this morning from Australia.”
Moreno Roggi believes the Rossoneri could have done better by their captain as his 18-year association with the club comes to an end Massimo Ambrosini’s agent Moreno Roggi has criticised AC Milan for its handling of the club captain’s impending departure from San Siro.
The former Italy international joined the club in 1995 and Roggi believes the Rossoneri could have been more forthright with the 36-year-old as his contract neared its conclusion.
“Milan could’ve dealt with the situation better after 18 years together,” he told Radioblu. "He always declined all offers, was impeccably behaved on the field and off, so I hope Milan will give him a worthy send-off.”Roggi confirmed that talks are ongoing over a possible move to West Ham United, though he revealed his client is unlikely to join Serie A rival Fiorentina or MLS side LA Galaxy.
“Massimo did expect this decision, but he was still a bit upset. At this moment, seeing as he feels in good shape physically, we will evaluate offers”, Roggi explained. “The situation is we turned down an offer from Los Angeles. We have negotiations going on with West Ham, but nothing with Fiorentina, as they have not made us any proposals. Having said that, I do hear Ambrosini is on the list for the Viola if David Pizarro leaves.
“We received another offer this morning from Australia.”
Neymar: I'm not a national hero
Brazil supporters are pinning their Confederations Cup hopes on the 21-year-old's slight shoulders, but he insists his sole focus is on doing his bit as part of a team
Brazil attacker Neymar has attempted to play down expectation over his performances at the upcoming Confederations Cup, insisting he is not "a national hero."
The forward, who completed his move to Barcelona late last month, will have the weight of a nation on his shoulders when the tournament kicks off in Brasilia this week, but the 21-year-old believes his most important role is simply to work hard for his team-mates.
“Am I a national hero? I’m not indisputable. In football you play well one day and on other days you do not,” he told Brazilian GQ magazine. “You can't hit your shots into the top corner every day. I know what role I have to play, but I play to help the team, be it with assists or goals."
Neymar has scored 20 goals in 34 appearances for the Selecao since making his debut in 2010, but he has shrugged off the pressure that comes with pulling on the shirt for the five-time world champions.
“I'm used to it. Since I was little I dreamed of playing for the national team and now I'm thrilled to take on that challenge,” he added. “But I want to insist that I'm not a hero, and I'm not a villain either if things don't go so well.
“The passion for football that exists in Brazil is incredible. I'm aware of this, so I'm not sure how things are going to turn out."
Brazil begins its Confederations Cup campaign against Japan on June 15.
Brazil supporters are pinning their Confederations Cup hopes on the 21-year-old's slight shoulders, but he insists his sole focus is on doing his bit as part of a team
Brazil attacker Neymar has attempted to play down expectation over his performances at the upcoming Confederations Cup, insisting he is not "a national hero."
The forward, who completed his move to Barcelona late last month, will have the weight of a nation on his shoulders when the tournament kicks off in Brasilia this week, but the 21-year-old believes his most important role is simply to work hard for his team-mates.
“Am I a national hero? I’m not indisputable. In football you play well one day and on other days you do not,” he told Brazilian GQ magazine. “You can't hit your shots into the top corner every day. I know what role I have to play, but I play to help the team, be it with assists or goals."
Neymar has scored 20 goals in 34 appearances for the Selecao since making his debut in 2010, but he has shrugged off the pressure that comes with pulling on the shirt for the five-time world champions.
“I'm used to it. Since I was little I dreamed of playing for the national team and now I'm thrilled to take on that challenge,” he added. “But I want to insist that I'm not a hero, and I'm not a villain either if things don't go so well.
“The passion for football that exists in Brazil is incredible. I'm aware of this, so I'm not sure how things are going to turn out."
Brazil begins its Confederations Cup campaign against Japan on June 15.
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