Jemerson: I thought Brazil call-up was a joke

Brazil defender Jemerson says he was so surprised upon receiving his first call-up this week that he wondered if was the victim of a practical joke.

The Atletico Mineiro stopper has enjoyed another fine season for this club side, who look set to finish second behind Corinthians in the Brazilian first division.

The 23-year-old has been drafted in as a replacement for the suspended David Luiz, who was sent off in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Argentina, and has revealed his reaction after picking up the phone to the Brazilian football federation’s (CBF) technical coordinator Gilmar Rinaldi at the weekend.

“I was with a friend in my car and spoke briefly with Gilmar,” Jemerson told a press conference on Sunday.

"Right after the phone call I thought that it was a practical joke. Then I called my agent and he didn't answer his phone. 

“It was only later that the penny dropped. This has always been my dream. Now I have to prepare myself. I have never seen so many photographers in the same place."

Jemerson has made over 100 appearances for the Galo since his debut in 2012 and played in the first leg of his side’s 2014 Recopa Sudamericana triumph.

He is set to feature on the bench on Tuesday against Peru with Corinthians defender Gil expected to replace David Luiz at the heart of the back four.