International Football News, National Soccer Teams, Previews International football in bite-size pieces
Related Articles
Benfica defender Jardel Nivaldo Vieira has expressed his desire to represent Portugal on the international stage.
The Brazilian-born footballer never played for his native country and having spent last six years in Portugal, he is ready to make himself available to coach Fernando Santos.
Jardel says he would gladly accept any call-up from the Portugal head coach, but admits he has yet to be contacted by the Selecao officials.
“It is clear that if the was interest to defend (Portugal national team), there wouldn’t be the slightest problem,” the 30-year-old confessed to ESPN.
“It is a country that welcomed me very well, I have been here for six years. Now I have entered the process of acquiring Portuguese citizenship to facilitate numerous bureaucratic processed for my family and Benfica.”
Portugal coach Fernando Santos is not exactly spoilt for options in the heart of defence, with veterans Bruno Alves, Pepe and Jose Fonte currently vying for starting positions.
Therefore, he may consider including Jardel in his Euro 2021 squad, especially as all the other areas look pretty strong at the moment.
The Selecao head to France in good spirits and you can learn more about their prospects in our Portugal Euro 2021 team preview.
