Scolari: Deco, Pepe were different

Luiz Felipe Scolari says comparisons between Spain calling up Diego Costa and him calling up Deco when with Portugal are ‘ridiculous’.

For friendlies next month against Honduras and Chile, the Selecao Coach today listed 22 players including three from La Liga – Real Madrid’s Marcelo and Barcelona’s Dani Alves and Neymar.

In presenting the list to the Press, Scolari was first confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation’s Press officer as ‘not going to discuss the subject of Diego Costa’ as it was ‘closed’.

The Atletico Madrid man put in writing to the CBF earlier this week his desire to turn down Scolari’s call to this latest squad, in favour of representing Spain.

The 64-year-old stated the same day that the player had ‘turned his back on the dream of millions’, whilst the CBF were reported by their legal representative as looking to have the player’s Brazilian nationality removed.

Despite the CBF’s request today, Scolari was asked about the situation and comparisons drawn with his own spell as Portugal Coach when he called up Brazilian born duo Pepe and Deco.

“Am I angry? Do not put words in my mouth,” Scolari responded to reporters pressing the issue.

“What’s the difference between Diego Costa and Deco? Do not ask ridiculous questions. It’s ridiculous to compare. I’ll answer in four or five years. I’ll answer if I want.

“Deco was called because he never played for Brazil. You forget that Pepe was also nationalised and at no time before then had been called up. There is much difference.”

In Costa’s place has returned Milan forward Robinho, after more than two years out of the team.

Brazil squad to face Honduras and Chile

Goalkeepers: Julio César (Queens Park Ranger), Víctor (Atlético Mineiro)

Defenders: David Luiz (Chelsea/ING), Dante (Bayern de Múnich/ALE), Marquinhos (París Saint Germain/FRA), Daniel Alves (Barcelona/ESP), Maicon (Roma/ITA), Marcelo (Real Madrid/ESP), Maxwell (París Saint Germain/FRA)

Midfielders: Lucas Leiva (Liverpool/ING), Hernanes (Lazio/ITA), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg/ALE), Paulinho (Tottenham/ING), Ramires (Chelsea/ING), Oscar (Chelsea/ING)

Forwards: Robinho (Milán/ITA), Jô (Atlético Mineiro), Lucas (París Saint Germain/FRA), Hulk (Zenit/RUS), Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk/UCR) Willian (Chelsea/ING), Neymar (Barcelona/ESP)

Tags CBF Dani Alves Deco Diego Costa Neymar Pepe Portugal Scolari
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