According to ESPN, Brentford striker Igor Thiago reflected on his experience playing for Brazil's national team at the 2026 World Cup during an interview and responded to external criticism. He stated that the World Cup broadened his perspective in many ways, and this is just the beginning of an exciting journey in his international career.

Igor Thiago enjoyed an exceptional season before the World Cup, making 40 appearances for Brentford, scoring 25 goals and providing 1 assist, which earned him a place in the Premier League Team of the Year for 2025/26.

As a result, Igor Thiago started Brazil's first World Cup match against Morocco. The match was played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, but he failed to deliver an ideal performance and was substituted by Luis Enrique in the 17th minute of the second half.

After that, Igor Thiago did not get another opportunity to play at the World Cup, remaining on the bench until Brazil was eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16.

When asked about the positive and negative aspects of his World Cup experience, the striker, who came from Cruzeiro's academy, said that the World Cup "broadened his perspective" in many ways.

Igor Thiago said: "The World Cup is a very important moment for my career. It broadened my perspective in many ways, especially showing me what else I can do to help the national team better, and what areas I still need to improve to continue performing at that level."

As of the 2026/27 season, Igor Thiago has made 3 appearances for Brentford, scoring 1 goal.

He continued: "It was a very valuable experience, and I also made some good friends there, like Rayan and Endrick. I think the national team needs to maintain this positive and harmonious atmosphere. Without a doubt, it was an important learning experience for my career, one that will always leave an impression on me."

When asked what he could have done better during the World Cup, Igor Thiago spoke about the enormous pressure Brazilian players face from fans and media.

In his view, without so much "excess," Brazil's national team situation currently might be "better."

Igor Thiago said: "I think everything in excess can be harmful... So during the World Cup, I kept trying to stay calm. If I made a mistake, it's my responsibility; if I did something right, it's my achievement. Over time, with the experiences I've had, I've realized that what truly matters and lasts are these experiences and cherished memories.

As for the negative things, we just need to set them aside and try to move forward in a more relaxed way. I think if some things could be different, especially regarding the pressure, we'd be in a better situation now. Our people put too much pressure on many things that really don't need it.

I think if we complained less about small things and gave more support to what really matters, we'd be in a much better position. That's my opinion."

Igor Thiago also spoke about the intense criticism he faced after the Morocco match. The striker said that because he doesn't pay much attention to social media, he didn't face too much "anger" from fans and journalists. At the same time, he emphasized that his call-up to Brazil's national team "was not by chance." The 25-year-old Igor Thiago said he is ready to prove himself again and believes that the 2026 World Cup is just the beginning of an "amazing journey" with Brazil's national team jersey. To illustrate his point, he also referenced Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane, stating that these top players gradually became different players as they aged and gained experience.

Igor Thiago said: "Actually, I don't know about the criticism because I don't check social media and don't pay much attention to these things. If people are talking about me, it reflects more what they think than what I think about myself. I didn't get here by chance. I got here through hard work and effort. I didn't make the national team because of any talent—it's the result of my hard work and dedication. God brought me here. So from start to finish, I'm very calm about all this, and I have peace of mind.

I also know for certain that I didn't take anyone's place. I earned my spot on the national team. That's also one of the reasons why I can stay calm while I'm with the national team.

I'm 25 years old. You just need to look at great strikers like Harry Kane, who is already in his 30s, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is almost 40. Over time, they all became different players, with richer experience. Just like what I've experienced since my first call-up to the national team. I think this is just the beginning of an amazing journey with the national team jersey for me."

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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