Luiz Felipe Scolari appears to have been duped by an impostor on Spanish radio, as he has confirmed he does want to call up Diego Costa for the World Cup.
The Brazil Coach has so far hinted during the Selecao’s apparent tug-of-war with the Spanish Football Federation over the Atletico Madrid forward that he is in a provisional 45-man group of players up for consideration for next summer’s tournament.
However, this week, the 64-year-old has made clear his intentions further, inadvertently as the victim of a prank call on Cadena COPE, talking to one of the presenters believing he was Atleti President Enrique Cerezo.
“I have spoken with [Costa’s agent] Jorge Mendes, and he has said that he will talk with Diego,” Scolari told the ‘fake Cerezo’ this week.
“I have asked Jorge to see what may happen because I have intentions to call Diego for the two international games in November, when I will decide who to call for the World Cup.
“Yes, I want to call the player for the games of November 10 and 16 in Miami and Toronto.
“Have I spoken directly to the player yet? No, because when I spoke to Jorge he said that he would speak with Diego, who will say if he wants to talk or not.
“We have information that the Spanish team are going to call him, but we also have a letter from FIFA that does not tell us specifically if Diego can play for Spain or not.
“It is a case to study because he has played two matches for our national team. It is a situation for FIFA.
“There is a potential major decision, in going to the World Cup and I think he will choose Brazil and not Spain. But it is a case for the player.
“Would I call him to Brazil 2014? Yes, I have that intention. If today or tomorrow it was the World Cup, Diego would be called.”
Scolari was also asked for his view on the RFEF’s claims to Costa.
“I will have a meeting with the President of the Brazilian Football Confederation to ask for a letter, showing my dissatisfaction with the pressure that has been made by the Spanish Federation.”
The player commented this week that he has already made his mind up as to which country he wants to represent, but that ‘now is not the moment’ to reveal it, whilst reports are that the Brazilian Football Confederation have listed Costa in their next squad.
