Werder midfield ace Diego was delighted at the news of his recall to the Brazilian national team by coach Carlos Dunga for a friendly international against Switzerland in Basle on 15.11.2006.
Werder midfield ace Diego was delighted at the news of his recall to the Brazilian national team by coach Carlos Dunga for a friendly international against Switzerland in Basle on 15.11.2006.
Werder midfield ace Diego was delighted at the news of his recall to the Brazilian national team by coach Carlos Dunga for a friendly international against Switzerland in Basle on 15.11.2006. The news reached the 21 year old at 9pm on Monday evening at the werder team hotel in Sofia. His girlfriend Bruna called from Brazil with the news as the squad was announced. Carlos Dunga surprised many with the decision having played his cards close to his chest on the Werder man, in particular after the game against FC Bayern: “I’ve always said that it’s my greatest goal to return to the national team. It is the ultimate challenge to every player from my country as the competition is so tough”, explained Diego after Tuesday’s training.
Diego received his last call up to the national side back in February 2005 but his last game for the Selecao was yet before that. On 18.07.2004, the Werder star was in the Brazil team which played Argentina in the Copa America final.
Diego is particularly looking forward to teaming up with his old friend from Real Madrid again, Robinho, who was also nominated. The two, who as seventeen year olds won the Brazilian championship with FC Santos, are still in close contact despite the distance between them: “I called him straight away yesterday evening. We haven’t seen each other for so long, we are really happy now that we will likely meet up again in two weeks. I always felt very welcome within the circle of the national side.”
The Brazilian also felt immediately comfortable in the Bundesliga and the youngster was quick to thank all at Werder Bremen for the trust they have put in him: “They have always believed in me here. They took me from Porto and gave me responsibilities right away. I was able to use my strengths here again. I am very happy in Bremen.
Werder manager Klaus Allofs was very happy for Diego: “That is the acknowledgement for his work over the past few months and also for the whole team for their support. It will be great motivation for him to continue to work on himself and to develop.”
