Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli says he was blocked from joining Brazil for a pre-Olympics tournament.

Despite him wishing to play, Martinelli revealed Arsenal blocked the approach from Brazil because they wanted him available for selection during that period.

"I said that if it was up to me I would play," Martinelli told UOL. "But we knew it would be difficult. It was a time when I was a started at Arsenal, and people preferred not to let me go.

"He (Brazil general coordinator Juninho Paulista) already called me, spoke to me and congratulated me on what I'm doing. I haven't been called up yet, but I'm very calm about it.

"We talked a little after he went to the national team. He called me, said that this was the opportunity of my life, that I should give my best because things would go well."