Thiago Silva has revealed that he wanted to play for Brazil at the Olympic Games.
The PSG captain was not picked in manager Tite's squad, with Luan, Rodrigo Caio, Marquinhos, Douglas Santos and Zeca instead selected as the Selecao's defensive options.
However, Thiago Silva has now revealed that he would have liked to have played for his country and attempted to persuade PSG to release him for the tournament, though no agreement could be reached.
Speaking exclusively to Goal, the central defender said: "We tried to speak with the club to try and let me go to play in the Olympic Games but it was complicated. I'm happy for Marqui because he wanted to go and he is the age to participate.
"It was complicated, we found a solution at the last moment with the club. From my point of view things didn't take place as I expected. The club wanted to keep the captain [with the squad] after the change of coach."
Despite explaining the reasoning for his omission from the squad, Thiago Silva has revealed his severe disappointment at missing out on a home Olympics, with Brazil going in search of their first ever gold medal.
"It's not an ideal situation, it's a little bit hard for me," he added. "After a year-and-a-half without wearing the shirt of the selection I wanted to go and play the Games.
"Especially because it is in Rio, I was born in Rio, I wanted to go. The club made the decision, I accept it, I will try to do my best, as always
Despite missing out on the squad, Thiago Silva says he will try to pass on some advice to club-mate Marquinhos as Brazil attempt to end their Olympic hoodoo.
"It will be difficult as always. This is also why Brazil has never won," he added. "The last two times, it was third and second... we lack the first place. There is the opportunity to do that at home. I'll talk with Marquinhos to give him courage to win this medal."
- Goal