Arthur Melo: It is an honor to represent Brazil
Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo stated on Tuesday that it is an "honor" and "enormous pride" to be in the 'Canarinha' squad, although he understands that his club, Barcelona, defends its interests during FIFA matches.
"I understand Barcelona's side, but for me and for everyone, it is an honor, an enormous pride. It's no different for me. Whenever I can, I won't measure efforts and I'll do my best to go," the midfielder said in a press conference in Singapore, where Brazil will play two friendly matches against Senegal and Nigeria.
Arthur said that players at this professional level "prepare well" to "manage the physical demands and flight hours" and defended the coaching staff led by head coach Adenor Leonardo Bacchi 'Tite'.
"Here, they do the best possible work for the player's health. They are very attentive to ensure that everyone returns well to their clubs," added the 23-year-old midfielder.
Physical exertion caused by FIFA matches
The physical strain caused by FIFA matches, in which major European clubs like Barcelona are left weakened and their international players have to travel long distances in some cases, has become a recurring topic in Tite's press conferences.
The 23 players called up by the Brazilian coach are already in Singapore to prepare for the friendly matches against Senegal and Nigeria, scheduled for Thursday and the following Sunday.
Arthur, a key player for Tite in the midfield although he has not scored any goals with the national team yet, commented that he is feeling "physically better, more confident" and that, in that sense, he is pushing himself harder to contribute offensively and score goals.
"I am excited about that. Working hard, giving my best to score a goal as soon as possible," he concluded.
The Brazilian national team has not won a match since winning the Copa America last July against Peru (3-1) at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
In two friendly matches played in September in the United States, Brazil drew against Colombia (2-2) and lost to Peru (0-1), in a rematch of the final of the international tournament. EFE