Cup qualifiers against Chile and Venezuela citing a lack
of regular call-ups.
Bayern Munich defender Rafinha has rejected a call-up to the
Brazil squad for next month's World Cup qualifiers, opening the
door to a possible international future with Germany.
The 30-year-old right-back was included in Dunga's squad for
the games against Chile and Venezuela next month and initially
took to Twitter to express his delight at the news.
Rafinha last played for Brazil in a friendly against South Africa in
March 2014 and was expected to be the understudy to
Monaco's Fabinho for the forthcoming matches in the absence
of Dani Alves and Danilo
But the ex-Schalke and Genoa player has now informed the
Brazilian Football Confederation that he does not wish to be
considered as he is not a regular pick.
"I am not regularly called up. I am not one of the main options
for my position, considering that there are other professionals in
front of me," Rafinha said in a brief statement on the CBF
website.
"We respect the player's decision, commend his transparency
and we are cancelling the call-up of Rafinha," the CBF said.
Rafinha first moved to Germany in 2005 and the country
remained registered as his official home during a season-long
stay with Genoa in 2010-11.
He is said to be seeking German citizenship and has previously
expressed his desire to represent the German national team.
Rafinha's two Brazil caps both came in friendlies and he could
seek clearance from FIFA to switch his allegiance to the reigning
world champions.
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