The decision of Liverpool star Fabio Carvalho not to play for Portugal’s Under-21s has “surprised” one of his compatriots.
Carvalho has taken the decision not to represent his country at Under-21 level in their upcoming matches, despite being initially selected in their squad for friendly matches against the Czech Republic and Japan. The Portuguese Football Federation revealed on Tuesday morning the Liverpool playmaker, who was born in Portugal but has spent the last nine years in England, had informed them of his change of heart via text message.
A statement from the Portuguese FA said: “Fabio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at Under-21 level. This decision by the player was communicated after the squad for the preparation games with the Czech Republic and Japan was known.”
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The 20-year-old, who moved to Liverpool from Fulham in the summer, has represented England at U16, U17 and U18 level. Players of multiple nationality, such as Carvalho, are free to represent any of their permitted countries until they make a competitive senior appearance for a national team.
Carvalho’s decision has “surprised” Benfica star Henrique Araujo, who has provided the reaction from himself and the rest of the Portugal squad.
“It was a little surprising for us,” Araujo told Mais Futebol .
“In these kinds of things, what’s important is for the player in question to feel good. And if Fabio felt that the best thing for him would be not to be here, or not to continue with us in the U21 team, I think it is a very personal decision.
“We have to accept, respect and, whoever comes, take advantage of the opportunity. Because when a player leaves, another comes in and it’s an opportunity for another player.”
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