Roi de Janeiro, Dec 25 (IANS) Porto midfielder Fernando could make his debut for the Brazilian national football team in March in a bid to thwart a switch of allegiance to his adopted country of Portugal.
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was at the Estadio do Dragao last Friday watching Fernando in Porto’s 4-0 league victory over Olhanense, reports Xinhua.
According to Globoesporte, the 26-year-old could be called up for Brazil’s friendly against South Africa March 5.
Fernando made headlines in Brazil last week when he revealed his request for Portuguese nationality had been accepted.
It is understood the move was prompted by Portugal’s national coach Paulo Bento, who wants Fernando in his 2014 World Cup squad.
Fernando has been a regular in Porto’s midfield since joining the Primeira Liga club from Brazil’s Vila Nova in 2007.