Fernandinho has warned Wolfsburg midfielder Luiz Gustavo he is coming for his position in the Brazil side after being called-up for his country for the first time since February 2012.
In an exclusive interview with FIFA, the Manchester City midfielder added that he has changed a huge amount during the period between his last call-up and now.
The Brazilian said: “I’ve been playing in the more defensive position for City, it’s true.
“For this squad the coach has called up Ramires and Paulinho, who like to get forward more, and Luiz Gustavo, who prefers to stay back and protect the defence. I think that’s the position I’m going for if I want to be one of the 23 who makes the final cut.
“I’ve changed a great deal, mainly because of the move from Ukraine to England. I’ve grown a lot, and I think this has played an important part in my being picked for the squad.
“My performances during my first seven months here in England have been really good and this, together with the fact that the team has been doing well, has helped to catch the coach’s eye.
“I’ve learnt a lot in terms of tactics and technique in a very short time here. All this has helped with my adaptation to the English game and, as a result, my return to the national squad.”
Now that he has made a return to the Seleção side the aim is to give Luiz Felipe Scolari a positive heacache.
Fernandinho concluded: “I’m treating it like it’s the first time, because right now my ambitions are different, and I’m determined to give a good account of myself. I want to give the coach a real headache when he sits down to choose his World Cup squad. “
