Diego Costa named in Brazil squad for friendlies

Rio de Janeiro - Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has been included in Brazil’s squad for international friendlies against Chile and Honduras next month.

Costa was among five players named by Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) Friday to allow time for visa applications for the US and Canada, where the fixtures will be played, reports Xinhua.

The rest of the squad will be announced during a press conference here Oct 31.

Other players named were Hulk (Zenit St. Petersburg), Marquinhos (Paris Sy-Germain), Lucas Leiva (Liverpool) and Daniel Alves (Barcelona).

Costa’s selection comes despite the 25-year-old having earlier this month indicated his preference to play for Spain.

World football’s governing body FIFA is analysing a request by the Spanish football federation to sanction the player’s change of allegiance.

Costa has lived in Spain since 2007 and holds a Spanish passport.

Despite having represented Brazil in two friendlies earlier this year, the forward remains eligible to play for Spain as he has not yet played a competitive international fixture.

The Selecao will play Honduras in Miami Nov 16 followed by a clash against Chile in Toronto three days later.