Bremer reveals why he said no to Italy | OneFootball

Juventus defender Gleison Bremer has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to become an Italy international, despite overtures from former Azzurri coach Roberto Mancini, according to comments made to ESPN and relayed by Tutto Juve.

Bremer, who joined Juventus from Torino, explained that the Italian Football Federation approached him regarding naturalization. While the proposal was serious—his wife’s Italian roots would have simplified the process—the Brazilian centre-back said it simply felt unnatural. “They tried to get me naturalized, but I come from the heart of Bahia, and suddenly becoming Italian seemed forced,” Bremer recalled. “I spoke to Roberto Mancini, he explained there was this possibility, and I could’ve gotten a passport due to my wife. But I thought, ‘La Seleção is the greatest of all.’”

Bremer admitted he felt uneasy about the idea of joining a national team where he might not truly belong. He described imagining camp with the squad, surrounded by Italian players, and questioning, “What’s a Brazilian doing here?” That scenario, he said, “wouldn’t have felt right to me.”

The defender touched on his current situation following a recent injury. Though he missed action, Bremer insisted he has already demonstrated his quality and remains confident about his chances of earning a spot with Brazil for the next World Cup, provided he continues to regain his form. “If I’m physically fit, I’m sure I’ll be called up,” he stated. “But there’s still a long way to go. It’s important for me to stay focused and get back to my best.”

Bremer is also optimistic about the future of Brazil’s national team under new manager Carlo Ancelotti. “When I found out he would be our coach, I celebrated with a fist pump in the air. It’s a high-level appointment.” The Juventus central defender believes Ancelotti may pay closer attention to Serie A players, given his Italian ties and experience. Bremer noted that Italian domestic football often gets overshadowed in Brazil by coverage of the Premier League and the two Spanish giants.

All in all, the 27-year-old’s comments underline both his pride in his Brazilian roots and his determination to earn further international honours with his native country, rather than through a switch of allegiance.

(Sources: ESPN, Tutto Juve)

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