Red Devil's right-back Rafael da Silva aims to make his mark with Brazil's national side
Manchester United full-back Rafael da Silva has finally been called up for the Brazilian national side as he aims for a long-term stay with the side. Owing to a disappointing World Cup campaign in which Brazil was eliminated by eventual finalists in the quarterfinal, Coach Dunga was sacked from his job. As a result, Mano Menezes took over the vacant position who added the right-back’s name in the 23-man squad. Brazil is to face USA in an international friendly on the 10th August in New Jersey.
While talking to his club’s official website, Rafael claimed that he was delighted to play for his national side who is aiming to make his coach proud. The 20-year old got his first call up and claimed that it was an unbelievable feeling. The right-back added that he hoped there would be many more to come in his career, and wouldn’t let this opportunity go to waste. Football is so dear to the Brazilians, that it may very well be a religion. The Brazilians are known to create the best players on the planet with players like Pele, Romario, Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Dunga who are just a few who have been considered one of the very best.
The right-back added that he was training with Manchester United when the call came. The player claimed that he almost fell out of his boots when the coach stated that he wanted him to play for the national side.
Rafael has greatly impressed everyone, who at such a tender age, made it to Manchester United’s first team. However, Rafael knew that he shouldn’t take such a chance for granted, and that his spot may well be given to anyone else. Superstars Maicon and Dani Alves are two of the most talented right-backs in the world, and rival the young Brazilian for that spot. The player praised Maicon’s ability, stating that he looks up to him, and aims to learn a thing or two from the player. Rafael added that he considers himself very lucky to play for Manchester United. The player said that it would be a dream come true if he goes on to play for Brazil.
Rafael, along with his twin brother Fabio, joined Manchester United at a tender age of 15. Rafael has found his space in the squad because many in Manchester United’s defence line were injured last season. The player has made 24 appearances for the side, scoring on two occasions. During last season, he made a few appearances in the Champions league. The player has the ability to play as a winger and as a right back. The 20-year old made 4 appearances in United’s quarterfinal run in the UEFA Champions league.
Brazil hosts the next World Cup in 2014 where they will remove the scars of a heartbreaking defeat in the final match when they last hosted the World Cup. Uruguay defeated Brazil in the 1950 World Cup final, and some of the supporters started to commit suicide by diving out of the two story stadium. An 8-year old Pele promised his father on that fateful day that he would win the trophy for Brazil. His father cried for the first and last time on that day, and Pele delivered the promise eight years later. Brazil would want to add another trophy to their side, taking the total to six at their home ground. Al lot of young talent has been called up by the new coach, who looks to groom the players in time for the 2014 World Cup. Rafael is a player for the future that would be looking forwards to impress the manager if he wants to play in the World Cup.
Rafael is undoubtedly the future of Manchester United and his national side would want to keep working hard on him in order to cement a spot for him in the squad.
Tags: