Friday, 11th October, 2013
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has accused the Spanish press of "inventing stories", insisting Diego Costa could yet be called up for his World Cup squad.
Costa is believed to be very keen on a switch to Spain despite being a native of Brazil, even though he has two friendly appearances for Scolari to his name from this year.
The Atletico Madrid striker has played all his domestic career outside of Brazil, and is seemingly happy to pledge his international future with Vicente del Bosque.
It was understood that only a certificate from the CBF – claiming that Costa had not played a single official game for Brazil – is required but that is hitting some delays.
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And Scolari has now knocked the verbal battle up a notch by telling Globo Esporte: "Any Brazilian footballer who is legally allowed to play for the team can be called up.
"I'm the Brazil coach and in May I'm going to pick my squad for the World Cup, and I will choose the squad on my own terms.
"Every Brazilian player has a chance of being called up. That's my project and that's my job."
When asked about reports in the Spanish press claiming that Costa was close to sealing the switch, Scolari added: "The Spaniards know nothing and are inventing a whole load of stories."
Costa's club career has seen him grow in the footballing orchards of Portugal where SC Braga nurtured him, before his move to Atletico in 2007.
After spending many periods on loan, Costa has become an instant hit this season thanks to his 10 goals in eight La Liga games.
Speculation had been brewing this summer about a possible move to Liverpool, though the forward insisted he preferred to stay and fight for his Atletico place.
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