Rio de Janeiro, Jan 5 (IANS) Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio took the bold step of publicly asking Brazil football coach Dunga for a national call-up.
The 34-year-old is yet to be capped by Brazil despite a distinguished club career that has included the past two domestic league titles with Cruzeiro, reported Xinhua.
“I have stood out for several seasons now,” Fabio told the Globo news network Sunday.
“I don’t think I’m asking for too much. I don’t want any special treatment, I just want the opportunity that others have had.”
Fabio has made 605 first-team appearances for Cruzeiro – the most by any goalkeeper – since arriving from Vasco da Gama in 2005.
Brazil’s goalkeeping position was made vacant following the international retirement of Julio Cesar after the World Cup in July.
Since then Dunga has given chances to Botafogo’s Jefferson, Valencia’s Diego Alves, Napoli’s Rafael and Fiorentina’s Neto.
“Previously, playing for the national team was seen as a reward for playing well,” Fabio said.
“There have been several occasions when I could have been chosen. But I was never judged by the same criteria as other players.”
Brazil’s next match will be an international friendly against France in Paris March 26.
