Costa set for Brazil call-up

Diego Costa has been in stunning form this season

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 16 (IANS) Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to call up Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa for the national football team’s two international friendlies next month.

Brazilian-born Costa last week expressed his desire to play for Spain, where he has lived since 2007, reports Xinhua.

In an letter sent to the Spanish football federation Tuesday (RFEF), Brazil’s governing body CBF reportedly said the 24-year-old had an international future with the Selecao.

“The confederation advised (RFEF) that the player is in Scolari’s plans for the World Cup and that his Spanish nationality was only acquired for residency reasons,” Brazil’s Uol reported.

Under FIFA rules, a player may change nationality if he has not represented another country in an international match played during an official competition.

Costa’s only appearances for Brazil were friendlies against Russia and Italy earlier this year.

He was overlooked for Brazil’s triumphant Confederations Cup campaign in June, meaning he is still eligible to play for Spain.

Brazil will play Honduras in Miami on Nov 16 and a yet to be confirmed opponent three days later.

Costa is currently La Liga‘s top scorer with 10 goals from his opening eight matches.