FIFA U-17 World Cup: Flamengo deny Real Madrid, Brazil's Vincius Jºnior's India trip
Rio de Janeiro: The Brazillian Football Confederation (CBF) on Saturday confirmed that Flamengo forward Vinicius Junior will not represent the national team during the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 in October, denying to release him for the tournament.
According to ESPN, the main reason behind this is due to Flamengo football club’s loss to Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil final , where they lost 5-3 in penalties.
"Yes, it is confirmed," a CBF spokesperson had said.
"We had made all the protocol to have him, the player had the visa to India, we were expecting him for tomorrow morning, but today, Flamengo, after losing the Copa do Brasil final, decided to not allow him to travel,” the source confirmed.
Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid had signed the teenager earlier in May this year, but the youngster will continue to be a part of Flamengo for the rest of the season.
Reinaldo Reuda, Flamengo’s manager, however, backed the 17-year-old, saying that he is still an integral part of the national team.
"It was a situation analysed by the board, with the coaches and with Vinicius," he said.
"We want the best for him. He's a conscientious, smart player, important for the national team.But he has not taken part in the weeks of preparation. He knows that he can come and help, but also wants to respect that.
"He knows that the national team has good players and he will stay with us. We hope the national team has success in the World Cup,” he concluded.
India are set to host its first even global football tournament, when the country hosts the FIFA U-17 World Cup in October, starting on October 6.
India are grouped with USA, Ghana and Colombia, and will play their first match against USA on the opening day of the tournament. Brazil, meanwhile, will play their first match against Spain on October 7.
The three-week tournament will see 24 teams vying for the coveted trophy, with the final taking place at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan stadium in Kolkata on October 28.
