Fabio Carvalho, a forward for Liverpool, has opted to cease competing for Portugal at the Under-21 level.
The 20-year-old was born in the country’s Torres Vedras, but has since lived in England for nine years. Before earning his first Portugal Under-21 cap earlier this year, he played for England at the Under-16, Under-17, and Under-18 levels.
However, he has now taken the decision not to continue playing for them.
The news was revealed by the Portuguese Football Federation in a brief 54-word statement that gave the FA confidence that Carvalho, who relocated to England in 2013 and has led the Three Lions’ Under 17 team, may change his allegiance.
The statement read: ‘A footballer has decided to give up representing the Portuguese Under-21 team.’
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FΓ‘bio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at Under-21 level.
π΅πΉ Fabio Carvalho has informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intent representing Portugal at the under-21 level. This decision of the player was communicated after the call-up for the preparation games with Czechia and Japan was known. β #LFC
‘This decision by the player was communicated after the call-up for friendlies against Czech Republic and Japan was made.’
In 16 games in all competitions for Liverpool this season, the diminutive wonderkid has scored twice, including a game-winning goal against Newcastle in the 98th minute.
FIFA is set to move the start date of the World Cup one day earlier so that host nation Qatar can play first
Prior to the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, Carvalho was named to the Portugal senior team’s preliminary 55-man squad. However, he was left off the final roster.