Inter Milan midfielder Thiago Motta has admitted he would rather wear the blue shirt of Italy than the yellow jersey of Brazil.
The São Bernardo do Campo-born has been playing in the peninsula for a year, joining Genoa from Atlético Madrid on a free transfer last summer, before switching to Inter during this transfer window.
Although born in Brazil and having represented their national side at various youth levels, Motta is eligible for the Azzurri as he has an Italian passport and is uncapped at full international level.
"The Italian national side is my dream and I’m not hiding from it," Motta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"If the call came then I wouldn’t think it over for more than a second – I would instantly say yes.
"I have Italian blood, I feel Italian, and I simply ask to be considered in the race for a place in the squad."
He added: "I have played for Brazil from Under-17 to Under-23 level, but they didn’t think I could be part of the Seleção.
"Today I would choose Italy. I had a passport even before I came here.
"But I’m not asking for any presents from anyone. I naturally want to earn a place in the national side through what I do on the field of play."
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The São Bernardo do Campo-born has been playing in the peninsula for a year, joining Genoa from Atlético Madrid on a free transfer last summer, before switching to Inter during this transfer window.
Although born in Brazil and having represented their national side at various youth levels, Motta is eligible for the Azzurri as he has an Italian passport and is uncapped at full international level.
"The Italian national side is my dream and I’m not hiding from it," Motta told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"If the call came then I wouldn’t think it over for more than a second – I would instantly say yes.
"I have Italian blood, I feel Italian, and I simply ask to be considered in the race for a place in the squad."
He added: "I have played for Brazil from Under-17 to Under-23 level, but they didn’t think I could be part of the Seleção.
"Today I would choose Italy. I had a passport even before I came here.
"But I’m not asking for any presents from anyone. I naturally want to earn a place in the national side through what I do on the field of play."
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