Mazinho: I did everything I could to get Thiago to play for Brazil

In Brazil they watch Spain's games closely to see if Thiago Alcantara plays. The chances are high because he's a top level player and helped Bayern win the Champions League this weekend.

The player, who could move to Liverpool, has been called up by Spain since 17 years of age but having not played an official match for them, he could still play for Brazil.

His father, Mazinho, has told Globoesporte that the Brazilian federation never got in touch with Barca about his son. In the end that was one of the reasons he decided to stay with Spain.

Childhood Dreams 😳 pic.twitter.com/7woB5l3hc0

— Thiago Alcantara (@Thiago6) 24 de agosto de 2020

"Until now, no, I never had any contact, I know the sounding-out that they do," he said.

Thiago could also have played in Italy, born in Bari, while his father played for Lecce and the Brazilian team. But he never thought about it, committed to Spain.

"I did everything possible for him to play for Brazil, it's logical that he's divided, I spent my whole career in the Brazilain team, I was a world champion, I made a goddamn effort for him to have that chance. It didn't happen, but I'm happy for the kid, his objective was this (playing for Spain), it was a prize."

His brother Rafinha Alcantara does play for Brazil.