Liverpool forward Fabio Carvalho is reportedly unhappy with Portugal's decision to delist him from their World Cup squad
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| Fabio Carvalho plans return to England football team after World Cup snub with Portugal |
Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho has made the surprising decision not to play for Portugal at the Under-21 level - opening the door for him to return to the England squad.
The Portuguese FA announced on Tuesday morning that the 20-year-old, who was born in Portugal but has lived in England for the past nine years, had texted them an update on his change of heart.
Carvalho was included in Portugal's 55-man provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup, but missed out on the 26-man final. Instead, he was included in the Under-21 squad for friendlies against the Czech Republic and Japan.
This is what the Portuguese Football Association said in a statement: “Fabio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at Under-21 level. This decision by the player was communicated after the squad for the preparation games with the Czech Republic and Japan was known.”
Carvalho, who has scored twice in four appearances for Portugal's U21s, has previously represented England at U16, U17 and U18 levels. Multinational players like Carvalho are free to represent any of their eligible countries until they make a competitive senior appearance in the national team.
Carvalho's move was particularly surprising considering it was less than a month ago that he explained why he considered Portugal his home and decided to leave England.
The youngster was quoted saying: "I won't lie, I was close to opting to play for England at one stage. But going back to Portugal every year, that just feels like home.
"When I was playing for England I didn't really go back to Portugal as much so I was used to just being around my team-mates from Fulham and most of them were part of the England set-up. I just find it easier when I do go back to Portugal. As I say, it feels like home again."