Portugal boss Paulo Bento says that the possibility of Fernando playing for the country is one that is still under serious consideration as he plans the make up of his squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The FC Porto defensive midfielder, who was born in the hosts’ back yard, is eligible to line up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo et al after completing the necessary residency period in Portugal. Despite having a strong base in that area of the pitch, with Miguel Veloso amongst those Bento could call upon, the boss admits to keeping tabs on Fernando.
“Fernando hasn’t been and could not have been called up for reasons not related to football,” said Bento on the upcoming friendly match against Cameroon, “the fact that he is not here right now doesn’t mean that he cannot be when the squad is called up for the World Cup.”
Fernando previously represented Brazil at under-20 level after moving to Europe.
