Leeds and Brazil winger Raphinha could have played with Italy national team, his agent Deco reveals.
Raphina scored a brace in Brazil’s 4-1 win over Uruguay last night.
Those were his first goals with his national team as the 24-year-old made his senior debut with the Seleçao last week in a World Cup qualifier against Venezuela.
However, his fate could have been much different as his agent Deco revealed the Italian Football Federation held talks with him in 2020.
Raphinha has an Italian passport and, therefore, is eligible for the Azzurri.
“He had an opportunity with the Italian national team last year, there was a strong attempt from the federation, and I gave him my advice. He knows what I think, I think that decisions must be wise,” Deco, a former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder told Globo Esporte.
“I told Raphinha that he could have an opportunity in the Brazilian team, because he has different characteristics from the other wingers, I’ve always thought so. I see the national team, I know Raphinha and I watch football, I told him I would wait a bit, seeing that he would have had a chance.
“Leeds are not one of the best-known clubs, but he attracted attention, he has merit for having been called up.”
The contract of the Leeds star expires in June 2024 and he has attracted interest from many clubs in Europe, including Premier League giants Liverpool.
“Raphinha has become an important player in the Premier League, the club knows he has grown and things will happen naturally,” Deco added.
“He is young, he has many challenges ahead, there are certainly several clubs that like him, and Liverpool do like him, there were talks, but nothing official. Leeds wanted to keep him for another season.”
Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes in a €19m deal in 2020.
He has nine goals and nine assists in 38 appearances across all competitions with Marcelo Bielsa’s side.