“Whenever they want me” – West Ham player makes himself available as he eyes breakthrough

West Ham defender Morato has made his ambitions very clear – he wants Carlo Ancelotti to give him a chance with Brazil.

The 25-year-old joined the Hammers on loan from Nottingham Forest in September, with an option to buy included in the agreement.

He has now spoken at length about his career and believes his performances can eventually take him into the Brazil squad.

Morato had already discussed that ambition while at Forest. A month after moving to West Ham, he is still waiting for the call but clearly thinks there could be opportunities ahead.

West Ham defender sends message to Ancelotti

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ESPN Brazil, Morato described representing Brazil as the highest possible achievement.

“I think the national team is the top for all of us,” he said. “Especially with this new cycle, I think many players will have opportunities. Representing your country is the pride of every player.”

“Of course, getting there may be easier than staying there. And I hope that when I go, I can use that phrase and manage to stay there.”

Morato then had a message for Ancelotti.

“For me, it’s about doing my job, just as I’ve been doing every year. And whenever the national team wants me, my doors will always be open.”

He wasn’t included in the latest squad, with Ancelotti instead selecting Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães, Artur Dias, Vitor Reis and Morato’s Nottingham Forest teammate Jair Cunha among his defensive options.

Morato is paying close attention even when he isn’t involved.

“For me, it’s impossible [to stay away from football]. This week I was watching England and Spain. Then I watched Brazil as well. Of course we follow it.”

He also followed Brazil at the World Cup and admits the disappointment remains part of the story.

“There was a feeling of frustration, but that’s passed now. It’s a new cycle and all of us Brazilians who want to help have to think about that now.”

For West Ham, there is certainly no harm in having a player with that level of personal motivation as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.

From São Paulo to another promotion fight

Morato also looked back fondly on his years at Brazilian side São Paulo. He explained that the players he grew up alongside became “family”, as they spent practically every day together.

“We travelled together, did everything together. We had lunch, trained and went to school. So you end up becoming a family.”

“Then my departure happened very quickly. Of course, I always miss that.”

Rodrigo Nestor and Southampton’s Welington are among the players he remains close to.

“Nestor is a very good friend of mine. Welington too, there are many. Football is crazy because we were all there together and not everyone makes it [professionally]. That’s the reality. It’s very difficult.”

One memory stands above most from his São Paulo days. Morato was part of the side which won the Brazilian Youth Cup in 2019. Before the final, the squad shaved their heads in support of six-year-old fan Larissa, who was battling brain cancer.

“We got together and decided to do that tribute for Lari. I think it was a moment that… winning the title made it even bigger, but I think I’ll carry that moment with me forever.”

Seven years later, Morato’s career has taken him through Benfica, Nottingham Forest and now West Ham.

The Hammers are fighting to return to the Premier League, while Morato is trying to make sure Ancelotti eventually has another decision to make.

He knows getting into the Brazil squad would only be the first part of the challenge. His bigger target is getting there and making sure he stays.