South America

Palermo's Fabio Simplicio Thrilled By First Brazilian NT Call-Up

The 30-year-old midfielder will have the opportunity to make his debut against England this weekend.

Nov 11, 2009 2:03:51 AM

Fabio Simplicio (Palermo) (ilpalermocalcio.it)

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Fabio Simplicio (Palermo) (ilpalermocalcio.it)

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Fabio Henrique Simplicio

Good things, they say, come to those who wait. And Palermo midfielder Fabio Simplicio could not hide his happiness at being called-up by Brazil for the first time in his career.

Simplicio admitted that it was unexpected, but said he is ready to prove his worth in order to cement his place in the squad which will take part in next year's World Cup. He is out to to impress coach Carlos Dunga in the next few days.

"I'm very happy that Dunga called me up," declared the Sicilian side's player to ilpalermocalcio.it.

"I did not expect this call-up: a life-time dream is coming true. This target is not just thanks to me, but also thanks to Palermo who always believed in me and allowed me to reach it.

"Therefore, I wanted to share this great satisfaction with all the components of the club, from the president to the last of the collaborators," he said.

In the meantime, Palermo have seen a downturn in form of late that has seen them slip down to 11th place in the Serie A standings.

Glenn Debattista, Goal.com

Can an African team win next summer's World Cup? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.