The 19-year-old Santos starlet is desperate to play a major role alongside the Barcelona star in what he hopes will be a 'special moment' at the Rio games in August
Santos starlet Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa says he is dreaming of winning Olympic Gold alongside Brazil captain Neymar at Rio 2016.
The five-time world champions are desperate seal the one major title missing from their cabinet when they host the Games this summer.
And with Selecao coach Dunga tipped to name Neymar as one of his three permitted players over the age of 23, Gabigol is hoping to play a major role alongside his idol in Rio.
The Olympics is my biggest dream,” the 19-year-old told Globo.
“For the competition, the venue (Rio de Janeiro), to probably be alongside Neymar. It is a medal that Brazil has never won. I want to be part of this special moment.”
Gabigol has been included in the pre-Olympic squads and is expected to play a major role in Rio in August.
He has rejected a lucrative offer from Turkey in order to continue his development at home ahead of the tournament and is focused on nothing but improving as a player.
“There’s been a continuous evolution since I [became a professional],” he said.
“I don’t want to be all talk; I want to improve. I want to improve at everything. Improve and fix. I want to be the best in everything.”
Gabigol hit 10 league goals in 27 starts, and 8 in 14 in the Brazilian Cup but couldn’t secure Copa Libertadores football for Santos after they suffered a penalty-shootout defeat to Palmeiras in the final.
- Goal