Gabriel could’ve made Olympics but prioritised Arsenal & the long-term – Daily Cannon

LONDON, ENGLAND: Teemu Pukki of Norwich City is shut out by Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Norwich City at Emirates Stadium on September 11, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Over the summer, Gabriel Magalhaes was initially called up to the Brazil Olympic team, but he decided to pull out with tendonitis and swelling in his right knee.

Speaking to ESPN this week, Gabriel admitted he could actually have played at the Olympics. He talked to the doctors, he talked to his family. Eventually, he decided to withdraw, despite the fact it was one of his dreams to take part in the event.

Discussing the decision, Gabriel said he was thinking about the new season with Arsenal. He says he could have risked it, but hes happy with the choice he made.

I could have even played in the competition, Gabriel said of the Olympics. But I thought a lot about the season. I thought of Arsenal too, and that I know they will need me a lot.

I was there watching all the (Brazil) games,rooting for them a lot. Im happy the players who went there were able to respond well by winning the Gold.

But Im happy to have returned (to fitness) and to have returned well and to be able to continue this journey.

And of course, my dream is to play for the Seleo (the Brazil senior national team). So Im going to work for it and Im going to keep going.

Arsenal will certainly be grateful for Gabriels decision. Not only has the initial disappointment and absence set him up in a much better fashion for the coming seasons, but hes also performing excellently for the Gunners right now.

More:

Gabriel could've made Olympics but prioritised Arsenal & the long-term - Daily Cannon