Bayern Munich defender Dante has revealed he thought his first international call-up to the Brazil squad was a joke.
The 29-year-old was selected by new Seleção coach Luis Felipe Scolari on Tuesday, ahead of Brazil"s friendly with England next month.
Dante says he thought teammate and fellow native Luis Gustavo was playing games when he initially broke the news to him.
He said: “I learned about it [the call-up] on the Tuesday immediately after training.
“It was Luiz Gustavo who told me. I could not believe it at first. I thought he was joking, but then when I looked at my phone, I knew he was telling the truth. I had over 50 missed calls."
Despite his initial shock at his inclusion, Dante insists he is now determined to remain a part of the national side until the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
“Playing in the World Cup in Brazil my dream," he added. “But I will continue to work hard. However, it is already an honour for me to have been named for the game in England.
“There are really great players who play in this team. I will do everything possible to continue to be a part of it."
Dante has made 18 Bundesliga appearances for first-placed Bayern this season, scoring once in the process.
