Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has admitted he panicked after being mistakenly omitted from the Brazil squad announcement by manager Carlo Ancelotti. The 24-year-old's name was not called out during Monday's press conference, despite his image and name appearing on the screen behind Ancelotti.
Speaking to Panela SporTV, Pedro said: 'It always feels like the first time [to be called up] those butterflies in the stomach. And then when he [Ancelotti] finished the list, I said to myself: Damn! I've been left out!' After several minutes, Brazil team director Rodrigo Caetano confirmed Pedro's inclusion, and Ancelotti later apologised for the oversight.
Pedro added: 'Then everyone started calling me, I didn't know what was happening... then I came back and thought: Damn, I'm in, I'm in! haha. But it's the same feeling of butterflies ever since my first call-up. I'm very happy.' The striker will join the squad for friendlies against France and Croatia as Brazil prepare for the World Cup.
Pedro has been in exceptional form for Chelsea, scoring eight goals in his last nine Premier League appearances, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa. Blues manager Liam Rosenior praised the forward, saying: 'In the two months I've been here, he has consistently shown he is a world-class striker. The level he's performing at now is world class.'
