Filipe Luis believes that Brazil ‘have lost a great striker’ in seeing Atletico Madrid teammate Diego Costa opt to play for Spain.
The 25-year-old made his decision formal in turning down the Selecao’s call-up for this November’s internationals and has now been named in a first squad under Vicente del Bosque.
“It was a very difficult decision and I am sure he has felt bad. He feels Brazilian, but also more valued here [in Spain],” considered Atleti teammate and Brazilian international Filipe.
“He wants to return that affection that has been given to him. Brazil has lost a great striker and Spain has gained one.
“Hopefully he can be happy, that is most important.”
Filipe reflected on how he has recently dropped out of the national team picture, despite going to last summer’s Confederations Cup.
“Going to the Confederations Cup was a dream. For me it was the most, and now I have to work harder to return.
“[Fellow left-back] Maxwell is like a brother and helped me a lot when I had a hard time at Ajax. But now I want his position and I will work to be at the World Cup.”
Atleti will be without the full-back this weekend for the trip to Villarreal, through suspension.
“I hope that my colleagues have a good match. The game by game philosophy is good. You can tell by our form physically.
“We have played Champions League and League and we are still buzzing. The only goal we have now is Sunday and winning at Villarreal.
“The first thing the Coach has done today [Thursday] is talk about Villarreal. There was no mention of [Wednesday’s opponents] Austria Vienna.
“Whether we lose or win, everything is forgotten.”
