Brazil boss Tite says that Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho wanted to retire from international duty after the World Cup. The player came in for a lot of criticism after his performance against Belgium in the quarter-final exit.
With Casemiro suspended, Fernandinho was called into the side, but held widely responsible for both of Belgium’s goals. In an interview with ESPN Brasil, Tite revealed that the player did not want to be called again after threats were made to his family.
“The first player I felt the desire to speak to was Fernandinho. The number one. He is an extraordinary player, he plays a lot. I preserved it a little. I got in touch with him, Edu came in, I passed the information through his three companions. "But that cruelty came to his family and he said he promised his family that he would not go back. I went to talk to him personally because the Brazilian team is very proud to have a player with this dignity and professional competence. I'm not dumb enough to summon a bad player.”
