Gabriel Martinelli admits he still needs to decide whether he’s going to play for Brazil or Italy in the future, even though his dream is a call-up to the Selecao.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his sides third penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on October 30, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal scores his sides third penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on October 30, 2019, in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli grew up in Brazil, born in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo. He played for Brazil teams during his youth career, started his senior career in the country and went on to feature for the Brazil u23s late last year.

All the same, he has another option for his international future. The 18-year-old has an Italian passport, through his father. As a result, he can play for Italy instead if he so chooses. Right now, the teenager is holding off on a final decision.

“I am Brazilian and my dream, of course, is to play for Brazil,” Martinelli began (via Football-Italia). “But I could also play for Italy and nothing has been decided. I haven’t received a call from Brazil yet.”

If Brazil do give Martinelli a call-up, it’s still likely he’ll remain with the u23s at this stage.

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Brazil have the Olympics coming up this summer, assuming they qualify. They wanted him for the qualification tournament as well, but Arsenal reportedly blocked the move. The event takes place over the same period as five or six first-team matches.

Whether Martinelli ends up with Brazil or Italy, we might have to wait a while to find out.

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