Diego Tardelli: China-based Brazilians inspired me
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail Xinhua, September 22, 2017
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- Shandong Luneng forward Diego Tardelli has vowed to fight for a place in Brazil's starting eleven after earning a surprise recall for World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Chile.
The 32-year-old has not played for his country since the 2015 Copa America but forced his way back into the national squad after a string of fine performances at club level.
"I have never lost hope of returning to the national team," Tardelli told Brazilian portal Globo Esporte, a week after being named in Brazil's 24-man squad for their last two 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
"I knew it would be difficult because of the proximity to the World Cup and the way the team has been playing, but I never gave up," he added.
Tardelli has scored 12 goals in 15 matches for Shandong Luneng this year, forming a formidable attack alongside Senegalese striker Papiss Cisse.
He said that other China-based Brazilians, such as Beijing Guoan's Renato Augusto and Shandong Luneng teammate Gil, provided inspiration in his quest to win back his Brazil place.
Augusto and Gil have been mainstays in the Brazil squad under current coach Tite, as has midfielder Paulinho, who joined Barcelona last month from Guangzhou Evergrande.
"They have encouraged me not to give up and to work as hard as I can to break back into the team," Tardelli said.
Brazil, already guaranteed a place in Russia next year, lead the South American zone's CONMEBOL standings with 37 points from 16 matches.
The five-time World Cup winners will play Bolivia in La Paz on October 5 and Chile in Sao Paulo five days later. Enditem
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)