BRAZIL 3-0 HAITI: Matheus Cunha hit a brace as the Selecao thrashed Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia but there is still huge clamour for Carlo Ancelotti to play 19-year-old starlet Endrick
Endrick
Brazil fans are desperate for Endrick to start
View 3 Images
"In fact, he already is, but I hope he remains on those lists for a long time. He's a boy who has already brought a lot of pride to the Brazilian people, playing for Palmeiras and also for the national team.
"His qualities are very clear. Because he's younger, we're always joking around with him, but he's a very humble boy who's always asking for advice. I'm incredibly proud to be part of a group that has people like that. He's a great player and I hope he helps us a lot.
"And let him and his family be assured that, whenever they need me, I will help them with the greatest pride possible."
Endrick replaced Matheus Cunha during Brazil's win over Haiti
Endrick replaced Matheus Cunha during Brazil's win over Haiti
View 3 Images
While he is eager to make an impression, Endrick does not want to get under Ancelotti's skin. That hasn't stopped him from embracing the fan campaign, though.
He explained: "Ancelotti, I spent a year with him at Real Madrid. He knows what I do when I come on, I give my life for the team. A great coach, he has a good head on his shoulders, he's not going to do what's best for Endrick, for the fans, he's going to do what's best for the team.
"I'm grateful to have him in my life, he knows I'll give my all every day, he knows I'll 'eat grass,' I'll really work hard. He knows I work hard, my game is always the last one. The coach knows very well that I can help the team. Seeing what the fans do for me, I'm very grateful."
Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha revealed he is a big fan of Endrick after scoring twice for Brazil
View 3 Images
Endrick, who registered eight goals and eight assists during a recent six-month loan spell with Lyon, entered the field to a rapturous reception and the clamour for him to start is now stronger than ever - even with Neymar on the comeback trail.
While the fresh-faced forward now has his World Cup debut under his belt, the night belonged to Manchester United's Cunha.
The emotional ex-Wolves attacker, 27, added: "I'm ecstatic, that's the truth. Everything I've ever asked God for is happening.
"Sometimes a difficult moment, pre-World Cup, generates those doubts, and after the first game in this one I had the chance to be a starter, to score two goals in a World Cup. I saw my mother, my wife crying, I wanted to cry too. But everything will be alright."
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with the Sky Glass 'designed for football'
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image