BRUTALLY honest Brazilian sharpshooter Hulk concedes he is unlikely to get a shot at World Cup redemption.
Hulk was subbed at half-time of Brazil’s catastrophic 7-1 home World Cup semi-final mauling from Germany four years ago, which the nation is desperate to avenge come Russia 2018.
The former Porto and Zenit St Petersburg marksman remained part of the Brazil setup thereafter, before he was banished by new coach Tite.
Neymar (PSG), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City) and versatile attackers Willian (Chelsea), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool) and Douglas Costa (Juventus) are now Tite’s preferred options.
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READ NOWCapped 47 times (11 goals) by Brazil Hulk, 31, was realistic about his prospects.
“I have not been the Selecao for more than one year so I think it’s very hard to go there but anyway I’ll be cheering for my country and my team,’’ Hulk said.
Despite Brazil legend Ronaldo’s calls for Shanghai SIPG pair Hulk and Oscar - who scored Brazil’s late consolation in the 7-1 Germany loss - to be considered and China-based Renato Augusto, Diego Tardelli and Gil part of recent squads, their fate appears sealed.
Their SIPG form remains strong, with Hulk causing havoc in the second half of the 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory while Oscar — who remained home — starring with their team top of the Chinese Super League.
Hulk — real name Givanildo Vieira de Souza — revealed that Victory left-back Stefan Nigro got his shirt on Wednesday night after the pair’s enthralling duel.
“He asked me to change the shirt, obviously I did this out of natural respect,’’ he said.
“We’re competitors on the pitch, but it very nice of him (to ask) so I gave him my shirt.”