Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho has taken the surprise decision to stop playing for Portugal at under-21 level - opening the door for a possible return to the England national set-up.
The Portuguese Football Federation revealed on Tuesday morning the 20-year-old, 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.
Carvalho was in the 55-man preliminary Portugal squad for the forthcoming World Cup only to be omitted from the final 26-man party. He was instead included in the U21 squad for their friendlies against Czech Republic and Japan.
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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.”
Carvalho, who had scored twice in four games for Portugal U21s, had previously 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.
The move from Carvalho is particularly surprising given comments less than a month ago explaining why he regards Portugal as home and decided to switch from playing for England.
"I won't lie, I was close to opting to play for England at one stage," said the youngster, who has scored twice in 11 games for Liverpool this season. "But going back to Portugal every year, that just feels like home.
"When I was playing for England I didn't really go back to Portugal as much so I was used to just being around my team-mates from Fulham and most of them were part of the England set-up. I just find it easier when I do go back to Portugal. As I say, it feels like home again."
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