Barca starlet Thiago opts to play for Spain
Oct 7, 2010, 16:49 GMT
Madrid -
Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara said on Thursday that the only national team that he would play for is Spain.
Thiago, 19, is the son of Mazinho, one of Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning heroes.
He was born in Bari, Italy, in 1991 when his father was playing for Lecce. Mazinho then moved to Spain to play for Valencia and Celta Vigo, taking Thiago with him.
Thiago has played for Spain at the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 levels, catching the eye with his precise passing and midfield creativity.
'I have things clear,' he said on Thursday, 'and I am not going to generate doubts. The only country that I want to play for is Spain.'
He is one of the many youngsters from the Barca nursery team given his chance by coach Pep Guardiola. He made his full debut against Mallorca in May 2009 and is often used by Guardiola as a late substitute to break down weary defences.
His case is similar to that of Bojan Krkic, another promising Barca starlet. Bojan opted for the Spanish national team ahead of Serbia, the country of his father.
Full quote from Thiago:
I have this clear and I will not create doubt to anyone. That is no longer a sub-16 or U-17, this is something more serious, important. We're talking about another level. And if I'm willing to be here is because I am willing to play with Spain.