Raphinha hopes to earn another Brazil call-up after missing last qualifiers
Leeds ace Raphinha got his first-ever call-up to the Brazilian national team ahead of the last World Cup qualifiers, but he could not travel.
COVID-19 and quarantine rules would have seen the 24-year-old miss the Liverpool game, and the Whites attacking midfielder opted to remain in England as a result [BBC].
Brazil will be naming their squad for next month’s qualifiers against Venezuela, Colombia and Uruguay soon, and Raphinha has revealed he is angry to have missed the chance to make his debut during the last international games.
The forward told Globo Esporte: “It was a different and complicated situation because of the moment we are still living.
“I was upset, yes, because defending the national team is a child’s dream and who doesn’t think about it?
“It’s no different with me, but I need to make it clear that I understand the club’s position.
“I’m still very happy, extremely satisfied and focused here. I’m still doing my best to help Leeds and maybe get another chance to defend my country.”
Hopeful
Brazil boss Tite was impressed with the recent form of the Leeds star, handing him his maiden call-up, and he is likely to invite him again for October games if it becomes clear he would be allowed to travel.
The Premier League clubs that were unable to release their players earlier this month need to find a solution and make necessary arrangements with the right authorities ahead of the next international break.
FIFA are working with the British government for players to work in a bubble when they go on international duty [FIFA].
They also plan for them to get an exception rule that would see them avoid the mandatory quarantine upon their return to the country, and that could be good news for someone like Raphinha.
He dreams of playing for his country, and with the World Cup taking place next summer, he knows he needs to be playing already for Tite’s side to have a chance of making the star-studded squad to the tournament.
In other Leeds news, Whites star has confessed how he feels over PL start, shares European dream.