Barcelona midfielder Rafinha says he didn’t hesitate in choosing to represent Brazil despite also being eligible for Spain.
Rafinha has been called into the South Americans’ senior squad for the first time and despite his brother, Thiago Alcantara, deciding to play for La Roja, he says it was never an option he considered.
“The choice between Brazil and Spain was the easiest of my life. I’m 100% Brazilian,” Marca quotes Rafinha as saying.
“I followed my heart and chose Brazil. When you follow your heart your dream comes true.”
Rafinha and Thiago were eligible for Brazil and Spain through their father, former Brazil international Mazhino, who spent many years in Spain with Valencia, Celta Vigo and Elche.
“My Dad and I were always trying to convince Thiago to play for Brazil. Unfortunately it didn’t work. Spain called very quickly,” Rafinha lamented.
