Brazilian-born Eder slams controversy on whether to call up oriundi for the Italian national team as 'nonsense,' while playing for Italy is his 'pride'.

The Sampdoria player earned his first international call-up ahead of Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria, but has been criticised by the likes of Inter Coach Roberto Mancini, who opposed the idea of calling footballers born outside of Italy to play for the national team.

Brazilian-born Eder slams controversy on whether to call up oriundi for the Italian national team as 'nonsense,' while playing for Italy is his 'pride'.

The Sampdoria player earned his first international call-up ahead of Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Bulgaria, but has been criticised by the likes of Inter Coach Roberto Mancini, who opposed the idea of calling footballers born outside of Italy to play for the national team.

Eder, interviewed by Brazilian paper Diario Catarinense, dismissed the whole notion.

“I think it's really nonsense. In Germany there are players who come from other countries, as there are in France, a country represented by several African players.

“Here there isn't that type of culture. But there's a new Coach and he gets to make the decisions.

“[Former oriundo Mauro German] Camoranesi was very important for Italy to win their World Cup.

“I'd like to follow in his footsteps and I'd be happy to have half of his success.

The 28-year-old then recalled the moment of his call-up and the delight that it produced in him.

“I certainly didn't expect to be called. On Saturday evening the Coach published his list of call-ups and it was a source of great joy, and great pride, to see my name on it.

“My great-grandfather was Italian. I know how significant Italian football is and I wouldn't have accepted an invitation by any national team.

“Those who know football know the import of Italy, so I accepted with great enthusiasm.

“What struck me the most was the humility of the senior players, like [captain Gianluigi] Buffon, who welcomed me very warmly.”

Bygaby

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