Botafogo defender Dória has outlined his objectives for the coming year, with the chance to represent Brazil Under-20 at two major tournaments.
Dória, 18 earlier this month, has been a revelation of the 2012 Brasileirão, appearing in 19 league matches since making his debut in May.
Now a firmly established first-choice at the club, it was confirmed only last week that Botafogo have had to resist advances from Europe for his services, with Juventus seeing a €4.5 million offer rejected.
“I hope that 2013 is better,” he told Lancenet. “2012 was a good year for me, but I have goals for the coming year.
“I want to play in the Under-20 South American championship and World Cup. To wear the shirt of the national side is important. These are my objectives.”
The defender will not have long to wait to discover if he will realise his dream, with the Brazil squad for January’s South American Championship in Argentina to be named next Tuesday.
The Botafogo man will face competition for his place, though, with the likes of Luan (Vasco), Wellington Carvalho (Fluminense) and Antônio Carlos (Corinthians) all having made strides at first-team level this season. Roma centre-back Marquinhos is unlikely to be selected for the tournament.
