Brazil defender Dante has revealed that he could have been preparing for the imminent World Cup with different teammates and without the famous yellow strip- because Belgium approached him to represent them five years ago.
He had previously played for Belgian clubs Charleroi and Standard Liege from 2006 and was sounded out about an international call-up.
The 30 year-old Bayern Munich centre-back, who has won 11 Brazil caps, told reporters at Brazil’s training base: “I think in 2009 I got an invite from Belgium to play for them.”
“I had spoken with the coach and various other people there, and they had already got the paperwork ready. But I never wanted to play for another country. We had a conversation but nothing that enthused me.”
Unlike Spain striker Diego Costa, Dante did not seek an alternative international career, although he will find himself as more of a reserve during the tournament, with Scolari sure to go with the first-choice pairing of captain Thiago Silva and David Luiz.
