Fernandinho is delighted, if a little unsurprised, about his call-up to the Brazil squad, and is determined to make it count ahead of the summer.
The 28-year-old was an expensive summer signing for Manchester City, who paid a reported £30million to take him from Shakhtar Donetsk in early June. However, despite a slow start, this has looked increasingly like money well spent, as the midfielder has been a huge influence in the Blues midfield as they seek more silverware.
As a result of his performances, Fernandinho has been called up to Luis Felipe Scolari’s squad for the forthcoming international friendly with South Africa. Not only does this give the former Atletico Paranaense youngster the chance to add to his current tally of five caps, but he can now focus on winning a place in Brazil’s World Cup squad.
“I did expect to get called up because all my work at City in recent months was done with the goal of getting called up,” he told Globo Esporte. “This is the last call-up before the World Cup, so I did have that expectation. When the squad was announced, it was the total joy. I was following through the internet and I got very happy.
“I arrived at home after training and the telephone began to ring. I was really anxious to find out if my name was on the list. It was an immense joy for me. It’s a big challenge. If I get the opportunity to show what I can do, I will do the best to be on the final list for the World Cup. I’ll take care of myself to be ready for the national team. I want to play well and make Scolari think. This is the last chance and I’ll regard it as the last one in my life.”
Such has the impression Fernandinho has had in his debut season at the Etihad Stadium, he has been sorely missed since picking up a thigh injury in training earlier this month. His absence from the City team was a big factor in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, but he is hopeful of returning when the two sides meet again in the FA Cup on Saturday.
