Cristiano Ronaldo's scathing criticism of Manchester United will not have an impact on Portugal's quest for World Cup glory in Qatar, insists midfielder Joao Mario.

Ronaldo has endured a torrid season after reportedly expressing his desire to leave Old Trafford in the transfer window, making just four Premier League starts and only scoring once in the competition.

Having been temporarily exiled from first-team activities by Erik ten Hag after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month, Ronaldo's United future is again in doubt following his decision to grant an explosive interview to Piers Morgan.

In early excerpts published from the interview, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner claimed to have been "betrayed" by United and said he has no respect for Ten Hag.

Ronaldo is set to begin his fifth and likely final World Cup campaign this month, and international team-mate Joao Mario does not believe Portugal will suffer for the 37-year-old's actions.

"I don't see a problem with the timing, so it's fine for us," Joao Mario said at a press conference on Tuesday. 

"I don't think it puts further pressure on him or on us. We're used to dealing with great pressure.

"It's not the first time that a player comes to the national team having a problem with his club. One of the advantages is that we put everything to the side when we are here. 

"When we get to the national team, it's another working group and we try to focus on what's most important.

"The headlines are always about him. Honestly, every time we come to the national team, the first questions asked are always about Ronaldo. The focus is always on him, and we are used to that.

"He is always happy when he is with national team. I saw him yesterday and he is fine, as always when he arrives here. 

"He is totally focused on the national team and he is going to be a big help for us at the World Cup."

Portugal will begin their Group H campaign against Ghana on November 24 after taking on Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly on Thursday.

Having scored at the 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, Ronaldo could become the first player to score in five different editions of the tournament when he takes to the field in Qatar.

However, all seven of his World Cup goals to date have come in the group stage – no player has scored more goals at the tournament without finding the net in a knockout game.

Gareth Bale is "100 per cent fit and ready to go" for Wales at the World Cup in Qatar after battling injury issues.

The former Real Madrid winger's fitness had been a concern before Robert Page named his 26-man squad for Wales' first appearance at the World Cup in 64 years.

Bale has only started twice for Los Angeles FC since joining from Madrid in July, managing just 370 minutes on the pitch.

However, he scored an extra-time equaliser as a substitute against Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup final, which LAFC won on penalties on November 5.

Bale initially gave Wales reason to be concerned after the final as he said he felt "not 100 per cent fit", but has since backtracked on those comments before travelling to the Middle East.

"I'm 100 per cent fit and ready to go," the Wales international told Sky Sports after revealing his struggles with a "slight issue".

Bale suggested playing the United States, England and Iran in Group B in the space of nine days would be "no problem", with the mental aspects of being sidelined more of a problem than the physical side.

"I'm fully fit and ready to go. If I need to play three 90s, I'll play three 90s," he added. "It's been difficult, mentally more than anything.

"I guess for everybody, the last three or four weeks, it's been difficult, even hearing stories of players going down and knowing they're going to miss the World Cup.

"Speaking to a few of the boys, even for them having to play this weekend was tough mentally, and we're just praying not to have an injury at all because it's such a big occasion."

The tournament has been somewhat overshadowed due to human rights issues in Qatar.

Bale will be among eight captains to wear a distinctive heart-adorned armband, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination in a country where same-sex marriage is prohibited.

"For us as footballers, it's been a difficult subject to talk about," said Bale. "But we can shed a light on the problems there that are going on.

"We've spoken to the FAW [Football Association of Wales] and they've been speaking to Welsh government, who've been speaking to Qatar and FIFA, working on these issues.

"For us as players, we're fully behind and support everything we can do. As footballers, the most we can do is raise awareness and it's for people higher up to make those decisions, and hopefully make change for the better."

Eden Hazard acknowledged the World Cup in Qatar will be the "last chance" for Belgium's 'Golden Generation' to triumph and says he wants to stay at Real Madrid.

With the likes of Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku to call upon, Belgium have been unable to get their hands on a major trophy.

The Red Devils have ended five of the past seven years at the top of the FIFA rankings, though they suffered quarter-final eliminations at the past two European Championships.

Belgium were also knocked out at the same stage in the 2014 World Cup before reaching the semi-finals of Russia 2018, where they were beaten by eventual winners France.

Hazard, who has endured a difficult time in Madrid following his move from Chelsea, believes Qatar will be Belgium's last opportunity to succeed with the current star-studded squad.

"I keep smiling. There are people who doubt my qualities, but not me and we will see them again," the 31-year-old said. 

"For us the World Cup is the last chance to show that we can still win something with this generation. It will be complicated, but we will give our all."

Hazard suggested "it is possible" Qatar could be his last World Cup with Belgium and says he has no intention of leaving Madrid by his own choice any time soon.

"I don't want to leave Real Madrid. The answer is clear, but it's not just up to me," he added.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has previously stated Hazard, who has started just one LaLiga game this season, is aware of the reasons for his lack of minutes with fierce competition for places.

The former Chelsea winger has struggled with injuries and fitness issues following his arrival in June 2019.

Hazard has managed just 29 starts in his four LaLiga seasons with Madrid, who trail Barcelona by two points.

Cristiano Ronaldo says his "absolute focus" will be on Portugal at the World Cup amid the furore of his scathing interview on Manchester United.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner criticised United manager Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and senior figures at Old Trafford in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV, which will be released in full on Wednesday.

Ronaldo said he felt "betrayed" by United and claimed no progress had been made by the club since Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013.

United subsequently responded with a statement on Monday noting the interview and vowed to reply "after the full facts have been established".

The 37-year-old on Monday stated his focus will be fully on playing for Portugal in Qatar ahead of their Group H opener against Ghana on November 24.

"Total and absolute focus on national team work. United group, towards one objective: realise the dream of all Portuguese people!," he posted on Instagram.

His post a picture of himself with Portugal team-mates at training despite missing United's past two matches due to "illness".

The Red Devils beat Fulham 2-1 without Ronaldo on Sunday and are fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Tottenham with a game in hand.

Portugal captain Ronaldo will hope to help his country to World Cup glory in the Middle East, where Fernando Santos' side will also face Uruguay and South Korea in Group C.

Serbia head coach Dragan Stojkovic has no concerns Aleksandar Mitrovic will miss the World Cup – even if he has to go to Qatar "without a leg".

Mitrovic has impressed for Fulham in the Premier League this season with nine goals in 12 games but missed the last two matches due to a foot injury.

Fulham head coach Marco Silva suggested the Serbia international may be a doubt for the World Cup prior to Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

While Silva admitted fears over Mitrovic's chances at the World Cup, Stojkovic reiterated his more defiant stance as he suggested the Fulham forward would play on one leg.

"Mitrovic will go to the World Cup without a leg, we can also cut off his head — he'll still go," he added. "We have until tonight to change things, but I strongly doubt anything will change.

"We'll see today when they come [for training]. With his behaviour and games, and the injuries he had… He begged to play after that."

Stojkovic remains confident the 28-year-old will be fit for Serbia's Group G opener against Brazil on November 24, along with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has been sidelined with a groin issue.

Stojkovic said: "I don't like when my players don't play because of injuries. It's obvious that they are out of the team for a long time and it's good that I firmly believe that they will be ready.

"We are working on it. There is a song by Aleksandra Prijovic that says: 'It's not who was told, but who was destined'.

"I haven't seen the players yet, but now I'm going to hang out with the doctors. I guess the players will arrive by [6pm, for training].

"There are problems and small problems, but there is still a long time before the match with Brazil, this [friendly on Friday] against Bahrain is not important for us."

New Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui is "worried" after Raul Jimenez was named in Mexico's World Cup squad despite not playing since August.

Former Sevilla and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui officially took charge at Wolves on Monday but will have to wait until after the World Cup break for his first game.

Jimenez has only made three Premier League appearances this season, totalling 211 minutes, after battling with a groin injury but was still included in Mexico's 26-man list to travel to Qatar.

With Wolves four points adrift of safety at the bottom of the top-flight table, Lopetegui says his primary concern is having his key forward to call upon after the break.

"The most important thing is not the World Cup, it's Wolves," Lopetegui said during his first press conference in England.

"I have spoken with Raul, I am worried about him because he doesn't play a minute with his team, Wolves.

"We need all of them but we need Raul fit and the best version. I hope he will come back here in this way. I respect the decision of the player and the coach but above all for me it's Wolves."

Mexico and Wolves have already endured a fractured relationship, with Gerardo Martino's team apologising after naming an unfit Jimenez on their bench for Wednesday's 4-0 friendly victory over Iraq.

The 31-year-old was in attendance at Molineux for the 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on Saturday before being announced in a Mexico squad that includes Napoli's Hirving Lozano and Ajax defender Edson Alvarez.

But there was no room for former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, who scored 18 goals in 34 MLS appearances for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2022.

Gerardo Martino's men start their World Cup campaign against Poland on November 22 before facing Argentina and Saudi Arabia in Group C.

Mexico squad in full:

Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Alfredo Talavera (Juarez), Rodolfo Cota (Leon); Jorge Sanchez (Ajax), Kevin Alvarez (Pachuca), Nestor Araujo (Club America), Johan Vasquez (Cremonese), Hector Moreno (Monterrey), Cesar Montes (Monterrey), Gerardo Arteaga (Genk), Jesus Gallardo (Monterrey); Andres Guardado (Real Betis), Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo), Charly Rodriguez (Cruz Azul), Erick Gutierrez (PSV), Luis Chavez (Pachuca), Edson Alvarez (Ajax), Orbelin Pineda (AEK Athens), Luis Romo (Monterrey); Alexis Vega (Guadalajara), Hirving Lozano (Napoli), Raul Jimenez (Wolves), Roberto Alvarado (Guadalajara), Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul), Henry Martin (Club America), Rogelio Funes Mori (Monterrey).

Hugo Lloris believes players must focus on football at the World Cup amid concerns over human rights in Qatar but says they "cannot remain insensitive" over the issues.

Qatar has come under the spotlight long before the first game of the tournament on Sunday due to controversy over human rights in a country where same-sex relationships are illegal.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has penned a letter to all 32 nations who will play in the World Cup encouraging them to focus on football, but that was met with a backlash.

France goalkeeper Lloris is one of nine captains who will wear a distinctive rainbow heart-adorned armband at the tournament, raising awareness for the OneLove campaign against discrimination.

However, the Les Bleus skipper shares FIFA's view that players should respect the beliefs of their host country, telling reporters: "I have my personal opinion and that is in line with that of the president [French Football Federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet].

"When we welcome foreigners to France, we want them to follow our rules and respect our culture. I will do the same when I go to Qatar. We may not agree with that, but I will show respect.

"We cannot remain insensitive to these subjects. We are asking more and more of the players.

"But I believe that we must keep the focus on the game. Outside, everyone is free to express themselves and defend their opinions."

Lloris feels the onus to denounce Qatar's human rights record should not fall upon footballers, saying: "There’s too much pressure on the players. We are at the bottom of the chain.

"If you have to apply pressure, first of all it had to be 10 years ago. Now it’s too late.

"You have to understand that for players this opportunity happens every four years and you want every chance to succeed. The focus has to be on the field. The rest is for politicians. We are athletes."

Presnel Kimpembe has been replaced in France's World Cup squad by the uncapped Axel Disasi, despite returning from injury for Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend.

After sitting out the wins over Juventus and Lorient, PSG defender Kimpembe played the final 15 minutes of Sunday's 5-0 Ligue 1 triumph over Auxerre.

Kimpembe, who has represented France 28 times, said after the match he "is feeling fine" and was looking forward to linking up with his country for Qatar 2022.

However, the French Football Federation announced on Monday the defender "does not consider himself sufficiently recovered" to be able to represent the reigning world champions.

Didier Deschamps has added centre-back Disasi, who has made 23 appearances for Monaco this season, to his 26-man squad as Kimpembe's replacement.

Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram has also been called up after scoring 13 times and assisting four more in 17 appearances this season.

The France squad are due to meet at their Clairefontaine training base on Monday ahead of their Group D opener against Australia on November 22.

Les Blues, who are attempting to become the third team to win back-to-back World Cups, then take on Denmark and Tunisia.

The World Cup break is "a danger" for Alejandro Garnacho as the rising star's momentum could be stifled, according to Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

Garnacho struck a 93rd-minute winner as a second-half substitute to rescue United a 2-1 victory in Sunday's Premier League contest with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

The Argentina Under-20 international, who is not part of Lionel Scaloni's senior squad for Qatar 2022, now has two goals and two assists in his past four appearances.

While impressed by the youngster's form, Ten Hag is worried five weeks without playing a competitive match could work against Garnacho.

"It is still a long way to go. He has to keep his feet on the ground – it’s the whole team now," Ten Hag said.

"He has to do much more investment as he'll be recognisable for everyone, so it’s much more important to every time confirm it, big players know that, young players don't know.

"Now it's a four-week break, that's already a danger for him because now has momentum. It's good in the season and let's see how he's coming back.

"We have to manage that, manage that with him. His attitude is good and I'm certain he will have an impact. The danger is four weeks, no games, lose focus, less investment.

"It's only when he stays with the same attitude he's shown the last three, four or five weeks that his progress will keep going. If not it goes the other way."

At 18 years and 135 days, Garnacho is the youngest player to net a 90th-minute Premier League winner since Federico Macheda for United against Aston Villa in April 2009.

Daniel James earlier cancelled out Christian Eriksen's opener, making him the 10th different player to score against United in the competition having previously played for them.

United's hard-fought victory in south London was overshadowed later on Sunday when Cristiano Ronaldo revealed in an interview he feels "betrayed" by the club.

Ronaldo has sat out United's past two matches through illness, but Ten Hag expects the superstar forward to be fit in time for Portugal's upcoming World Cup campaign.

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of the Ronaldo interview being released, said: "He's ill, but I don't think it's bad and we are confident [he'll make the World Cup."

United face Burnley in the EFL Cup fourth round on their return to action on December 19, before hosting Nottingham Forest in the league eight days later.

Virgil van Dijk says Liverpool "never doubted" the quality of Darwin Nunez following the striker's recent upturn in fortunes.

Nunez endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield following his big-money move from Benfica, receiving a straight card against Crystal Palace in just his third appearance under Jurgen Klopp.

However, the Uruguay international is starting to hit his stride in English football; his two goals in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton taking his tally for the season to nine.

"We never doubted his quality but obviously, when you have a price tag like that and the goals are not flowing like you want, it's good [he has shown character] and I think he's done very well," Van Dijk said.

"He has all the qualities for a modern-day striker. There is a reason why we bought him, and he's maturing, he's stayed patient, kept his head down and played and that's a credit to him. Hopefully, he can keep scoring and stay important for the group.

"Obviously, he learns how we want to play, he learns what we expect from him, he plays a little bit on the left, but also has a free role coming into the middle.

"It takes time. It is a new team, new environment, new country, new language, so it is absolutely normal for him to take a little bit more time [to settle in], but there is no doubt the qualities are there, and the goals will follow."

Van Dijk also heaped praise on goalkeeper Alisson, who made a string of impressive saves to keep Southampton at bay during the victory at Anfield.

The Netherlands skipper additionally highlighted Roberto Firmino's character, with the forward opening the scoring against the Saints after being left out of Brazil's World Cup squad.

"[Alisson is] important for the group on and off the pitch," Van Dijk added. "We don't want him to have to make saves, first and foremost. He had to do so [against Southampton] and he was outstanding.

"Brazil are a very good team, they have two of their best goalkeepers in their squad and in my opinion, the best goalie in the world is Alisson.

"I think Bobby [Firmino] should be in, but who am I to say that? He took it on the chin, all you can do is recover and be ready for the rest of the season and I think he will do that."

Harry Kane believes England are no longer scared of admitting they can win the World Cup, where he thinks the Three Lions' poor form may work in their favour.

Gareth Southgate's side reached the 2018 World Cup semi-final and lost on penalties to Italy in the Euro 2020 showpiece in what was England's first major final in 55 years.

But they head to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup short of form after being relegated from the top tier of the Nations League following three draws and three losses in Group A3.

Southgate's team have not won since a 3-0 friendly victory over Ivory Coast in March, but captain Kane says the Three Lions will not shy away from outlining their hopes of lifting the World Cup.

"We have to believe we can win it," the Tottenham striker told Sky Sports."I look back at England 10, 15 years ago and it was almost [like] we were scared to say we wanted to win it.

"I think one of the big shifts that we've made over the last four or five years with Gareth is not being afraid to say that.

"Look, we're going to this tournament to win it because we believe we can. It'd be wrong to think otherwise. What's the point of going to a World Cup and not believing that you can bring the trophy home?

"It's going to be tough and we're going to have to work extremely hard, have a little bit of luck and have a lot of things go our way to achieve that.

"But I think it's important not to be afraid to say that that's what we're going there to do."

Pressure has mounted on Southgate after a dismal Nations League showing, yet Kane says the winless run has lowered expectations and may help England in their November 21 opener against Iran.

"The first game's really important, for sure," Kane added. "Of course it hasn't been the greatest period in a long time for England. Since Gareth took charge – we haven't had a spell like we've had.

"But in a way, before a major tournament that can be a really good thing because it allows you not to be carried away, or even the media or the press to get carried away.

"I feel like if we won every game leading up to this tournament it would've been, 'We're guaranteed to win it' and 'We're going to win it', and that can come with a different pressure.

"We feel like being judged on major tournaments is the main thing and the last two we've had have been good."

As for the fitness of Kane, who has been ever-present for Tottenham in the Premier League, the 29-year-old believes the mid-season tournament will help him hit the ground running.

"For sure, I'd rather be going into it playing loads of games where you feel match fit," he continued. "Sometimes after the season in the summer you have a break and then you have to gear back up to play and you haven't played a lot of games.

"You can try and train as much as you can but the bottom line is you need to be ready to have all your energy ready for the game, and that's what I'm trying to do.

"I think major tournaments test you the most in terms of the high pressure. Playing for England is always high pressure but in a major tournament there's always that added incentive.

"The mentality of being away from home, being in camp for five or six weeks but this one is fairly quick because it's during the season. Normally you're away four or five weeks before the tournament and then you're away four or five weeks in the tournament, so it is a long period of time where you're just outside your comfort zone.

"But I guess what separates the top nations and the winning nations from the others is who can deal with that the best."

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has insisted "football is for everyone" as the domestic game prepares to halt for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

A number of the world's biggest leagues will take a mid-season break for the tournament, which is being played in November and December instead of the usual June and July due to the climate in Qatar.

As well as the timing, there have been a number of concerns raised about the decision to allow Qatar to host the biggest tournament in football, such as human rights issues in the country, including reports of migrant worker deaths during the construction of the stadiums where the World Cup will be played.

The tournament gets underway on November 20, and speaking after United's late 2-1 win at Fulham in their final Premier League match before then, Fernandes – who will represent Portugal in Qatar – did not hold back on his opinions when speaking to Sky Sports.

"Of course, it's strange," he said. "It's not exactly the time we want to be playing in the World Cup. Obviously I think for everyone, players, fans, it's not the best time because kids will be at school, people will be working, the timings will not be the best for people to watch the games.

"We know the surroundings of the World Cup what has been in the last few weeks, the last few months, about the people that have died at the construction of the stadiums.

"We are not happy for that at all. We want football to be for everyone, everyone has to be included and involved in the World Cup because it's 'world', it is for everyone.

"These kind of things I think should not happen at any time, but a World Cup is more than football; it is a party for fans, players, and something that is pure joy to watch, and should be done in a better way."

Erik ten Hag's men secured an injury-time win at Craven Cottage on Sunday through teenager Alejandro Garnacho, after Christian Eriksen gave the Red Devils a first-half lead with his maiden goal for the club.

The Denmark international will also be going to Qatar, and simply said: "It's football, no matter where it is. That's why were are going to the World Cup, because we qualified and we're just going to play football."

Jordi Alba labelled Luis Enrique as "the best coach in the world" as Spain aim for World Cup glory in Qatar.

Alba worked with Luis Enrique at Barcelona when he was in charge between 2014 and 2017 before the latter left and went on to become La Roja coach.

The former Real Madrid and Barca midfielder initially left his role in 2019 due to family reasons before returning in the same year, subsequently guiding Spain to the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

A second-place finish in the 2020-21 Nations League further added to the resume of Luis Enrique, who Alba feels is the right man to lead Spain in the Middle East at the World Cup, which starts next Sunday.

"I already know him from Barcelona. He is a direct person, who trusts the players a lot," the Barca left-back told Mundo Deportivo.

"For me, I have always said, he is the best coach in the world. Not only in the football field, but also in the human field. 

"He is very close and helps all his team-mates and that is important for all the players and for me. He has a lot of personality. He captures his idea and that all the players go in the same direction. 

"It is something very difficult and he has achieved it in all the teams he has been in. We all go to what he tells us. At that he is the best."

Alba, Sergi Roberto, Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets all reportedly took a significant drop in wages to allay Barca's financial difficulties after Lionel Messi left in August 2021.

The Spain left-back reiterated his commitment to Barca as he outlined his plans to stay at Camp Nou amid reports he could leave at the end of his contract in 2024.

"As far as I am concerned, I feel qualified to continue here for many years," he added. "I think that when I'm playing I'm doing well and when I'm not playing I'll support my team-mates and try to help the younger ones as much as I can. 

"I want to continue performing well. I've been here at Barcelona for many years and my intention is to stay here. Honestly, I didn't get any offer from that club, or from any other. 

"I knew the opinion of the coach, who was counting on me. There has been talk for many years that I could go on loan or sign to another club. But my intention has always been to stay here. 

"During these years I have worked hard for this club, then things will turn out for better or worse, but that will continue to be my intention until the end of the season and everything that remains on my contract."

Barca brought in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Jules Kounde ahead of the 2022-23 term but were eliminated at the Champions League group stage for the second time in as many campaigns.

Xavi's side head into the World Cup break two points clear of Real Madrid at the LaLiga summit and Alba hopes to repay the faith of the Blaugrana faithful.

"This year we have not qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League and we are in the Europa League, but the people have continued with the players and that has been very important," he said.

"Now we have to try to return it in the form of titles. The deal with the fans has always been phenomenal."

Roma director Tiago Pinto says the club "cannot accept" Gareth Southgate's reasons to leave Tammy Abraham and Chris Smalling out of England's World Cup squad.

The Giallorossi pair had hoped to push for inclusion in the Three Lions' 26-man party for Qatar 2022.

Abraham was mooted as a possible understudy for Harry Kane, having scored 27 goals for Roma last season, but after only managing four in 20 appearances in 2022-23 so far, Southgate instead turned to in-form Newcastle United frontman Callum Wilson.

The presence of England regular Harry Maguire too in defence over Smalling, despite limited minutes for Manchester United, has left Pinto fuming.

"I cannot accept, both Roma and the representatives of other clubs, that people try to justify international call-ups with what is happening at club level," Pinto told DAZN.

"If Tammy is not part of the England squad because he didn't score over the last month, for example, but they called up a player benched for his club yesterday, then Smalling ought to be a starter for England."

Abraham ultimately paid the price for a drought of form at the wrong time, as Southgate suggested in his squad selection press conference.

Pinto admits there is further growing room for the attacker too, adding: "I want to say we are satisfied with Tammy, but always with the perspective that he can still improve, and I am sure he will do.

"We're pleased to see our players go to the World Cup, because it is important for them, but I cannot accept that after a call-up there is talk about the way these players work at Roma as justification for a personal choice."

Bruno Guimaraes is raring to go ahead of the Qatar World Cup, describing making Brazil's squad as "tremendously emotional".

The Newcastle United midfielder, one of 12 Premier League players called up by the Selecao, will make his major tournament debut at Qatar 2022 under Tite.

Having switched from Lyon last season to the Magpies, Guimaraes has been sensational in his first nine months as a Premier League player.

However, he was not sure of his inclusion and revealed he was in the dark – as is traditional for Brazil's prospective players – until he saw his name announced by Tite in a press conference.

"We didn't know if I would be in the squad," he told Newcastle's club media. "Everyone asks this but in Brazil we don't know, we only find out on the day, watching television like everybody else.

"It was tremendously emotional. I think everyone's seen the video. It's traditional in Brazil for all the players to watch the squad announcement before the World Cup. I genuinely didn't know beforehand."

While there is plenty of Premier League representation in Brazil's squad, there was no room for Guimaraes' Newcastle team-mate Joelinton, who is yet to win a senior cap for his country.

Guimaraes was disappointed to see his fellow midfielder miss out, adding: "I hoped Joelinton would be in the squad with me. He's a great player, playing really well here at Newcastle.

"He's a player who has helped me a lot since I arrived. We have a great friendship. I see him as my brother. I'm sad for him, but he's still young and he'll have other opportunities to play in other World Cups.

"I don't think it will affect his career – he knows how to handle it. Of course I'm sad for him, but he can think about the next World Cup and continue doing what he's been doing as he contributes so much here at Newcastle."