Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez expressed his joy at receiving his maiden Brazil call-up, even if it means he won’t play for Italy. ‘I’ve dreamed of this since I was a kid.’
The 23-year-old defender has joint citizenship and it was rumoured Roberto Mancini would call him up for the Azzurri if he continued to be ignored by Brazil.
However, Ibanez was named in Tite’s squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Tunisia, to be played in France on September 23 and 27.
“Today is one of the best days in my career,” wrote Ibanez on his social media profile.
“I’ve dreamed of wearing the Brazil shirt since I was a kid and now on September 9 that becomes a reality.
“These are the fruits of my labour, but also those of several other people, so it is an achievement for us all! I have immense happiness.”