Portugal’s under-21 manager has revealed his shock at Fabio Carvalho’s sudden rejection of a call-up.
The Liverpool midfielder withdrew from international duty via text message earlier this week after failing to progress to the final 26-man selection from the country’s preliminary World Cup squad.
Carvalho represented England between under-15s and under-18s but moved to Portugal in March, playing four times for the under-21s before announcing his decision not to accept further call-ups at that level.
Whether or not he plans to return to England remains to be seen, but Portugal Under-21 manager Rui Jorge has given Carvalho reason in his message.
“Being in the Under-21s won’t help anymore,” Jorge replied when asked for Carvalho’s justification.
“We’re from different generations, I know, but I thought he’d call and we could talk. I make it a point to tell all the players that I just want everybody in this place who’s really here. wants to come.”
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The most damning statement from George came when he was asked if he had a message for Carvalho following his resignation.
George answered suddenly.
Carvalho joined Liverpool from Fulham in the summer and has seen plenty of action under Jurgen Klopp, making 16 appearances in all competitions and even topping the Premier League with two goals.