Belgium-born Manchester United star gets Brazil U-20 call-up
Rio de Janeiro, March 29 (IANS) Brazil have called up Belgium-born Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira for an Under-20 World Cup warm-up tournament in Austria next month.
Pereira, whose parents are both Brazilian, was among 20 players named by Brazil's football federation on Saturday for Under-20 friendlies against Cameroon, Qatar, and Honduras.
The 19-year-old has made just one appearance for Brazil during last year's under-20 Panda Cup tournament in China. He has represented Belgium at Under-15, Under-16, and Under-17 level.
Pereira's inclusion comes amid concerns in Brazil about a drain of talent to international rivals. Among Brazil-born players to have switched their allegiance in the past decade are Diego Costa (Spain), Thiago Alcantara (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Thiago Motta (Italy) and Rodrigo (Spain).
Brazil Under-20 coach Alexandre Gallo also included Real Madrid forward Jean Carlos, Marseille midfielder Alef and Cagliari striker Caio Rangel in his squad for the friendlies.
The team will confront Cameroon in Pasching, Austria on April 10, Qatar in Salzburg on April 13, and Honduras in Pasching on April 16. The Under-20 World Cup will be played in New Zealand from May 30 to June 20.