Bayern Munich’s Rafinha admits it was a complete surprise to be called up to the Brazil squad for this week’s friendly match against South Africa.
The full back has been a regular for the German champions this season but he still didn’t expect the call to come from Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Now that he has been selected he wants to do as best as he can even if he is only afforded one minute on Wednesday night.
Rafinha spoke to UOL Copa do Mundo and said: “Look, I want to play. If you have the opportunity to get one minute, I will fight to earn my spot in the tournament.
“The time now is short. It is only three days with the selection but one minute will be an hour.
“If I say I was expecting a call, it’s a lie. I was not. When you are playing at Bayern Munich as a starter you always have a chance but as I had not been named until now so I was surprised.”
Rafinha admitted he was happy to receive the call but hadn’t spoken to Scolari beforehand, he added: “When the call came I was very happy.
“It’s cool. The dream is to always be in the selection so you sense your work is recognised.
“No I did not know him. I had never received a call, nor any kind of contact. I think there is no need. He has now called me because my qualities were presented on the field.”
