The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, proposed this Friday the exclusion from the national team of Brazilian players who play abroad. Not for a nationalistic reason, but for a footballing one: “There are no stars outside,” said the politician.
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“Those who are far away are not better than those who are here,” he added during a radio interview. The statements came the day after the Selecao beat Chile 1-2 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with goals from Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, two players from Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro.
Lula did not express his idea only to journalists but said he also proposed it to the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). According to the president, the national team could do without players like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Eder Militao from Real Madrid, Raphinha from Barcelona, goalkeepers Ederson from Manchester City and Alisson from Liverpool. All these names would not be ‘cracks,’ as used in South American football: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those who play outside, ed.), so give opportunities to those who are here,” he told the president of the CBF. Those playing in Europe are neither “Garrincha nor Romario,” he added.
Lula is a great football enthusiast and a supporter of Corinthians from São Paulo. He often comments on national sports affairs and has expressed this strong opinion during a not brilliant period for the Selecao. The victory against Chile provided a breath of fresh air after the defeat against Paraguay in September. The verdeoro are currently in fourth place in the qualifying group for the next World Cup and must also redeem themselves from a disappointing Copa America, which ended in the quarter-finals.
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Publish date : 2024-10-11 07:07:00
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