Manchester United twins Fabio and Rafael Da Silva are set to snub Portugal and pledge their international careers to Brazil.
The twins were born in Brazil, however both hold Portuguese citizenship, which means they are eligible to play for either country.
Both Fabio and Rafael have already represented Brazil at Under-15 and Under-17 level, but as they have yet to play for the senior side there is still a slim chance they could play for Portugal.
Certainly Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is one man who is hoping the Da Silva twins will decide their futures lie with his team.
The former Manchester United assistant manager was responsible for bringing the twins to Old Trafford and has also been doing his best to persuade them to play for his country.
However, it appears that Queiroz might be fighting a losing battle with Fabio admitting that he dreams of playing for his country of birth.
“Carlos likes me and Rafael and calls me all the time. He really wants us to play for Portugal but I don’t know,” he told the News of the World. “Every kid dreams of wearing the yellow and green.”
The twins have burst onto the scene at Old Trafford this season. Injuries have seen Rafael stake a claim for the right-back berth having impressed with several solid displays, including a goal against Arsenal.
Brother Fabio, meanwhile, made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in United’s 2-1 FA Cup win yesterday and also made an instant impact before hobbling off injured in the second half.
-- Gill Clark, Goal.com
The twins were born in Brazil, however both hold Portuguese citizenship, which means they are eligible to play for either country.
Both Fabio and Rafael have already represented Brazil at Under-15 and Under-17 level, but as they have yet to play for the senior side there is still a slim chance they could play for Portugal.
Certainly Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz is one man who is hoping the Da Silva twins will decide their futures lie with his team.
The former Manchester United assistant manager was responsible for bringing the twins to Old Trafford and has also been doing his best to persuade them to play for his country.
However, it appears that Queiroz might be fighting a losing battle with Fabio admitting that he dreams of playing for his country of birth.
“Carlos likes me and Rafael and calls me all the time. He really wants us to play for Portugal but I don’t know,” he told the News of the World. “Every kid dreams of wearing the yellow and green.”
The twins have burst onto the scene at Old Trafford this season. Injuries have seen Rafael stake a claim for the right-back berth having impressed with several solid displays, including a goal against Arsenal.
Brother Fabio, meanwhile, made his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in United’s 2-1 FA Cup win yesterday and also made an instant impact before hobbling off injured in the second half.
-- Gill Clark, Goal.com