“Portugal is my country” – Liverpool midfielder Fábio Carvalho reaffirms Seleção commitment | OneFootball

Fábio Carvalho has clarified his international future by telling Portuguese media he is keen to play his way back into the Seleção ranks under Roberto Martínez.

Carvalho caused some concern last year when he withdrew from Rui Jorge’s Portugal under-21 international squad, leading to speculation that he may switch allegiances to England, where he spent much of the latter part of his adolescence.

However, as he settled into life with loan club RB Leipzig in Germany, Carvalho says his intentions are clear when it comes to his preference at international level. Having moved to London from Lisbon at the age of 11, Carvalho has spent almost half his life in Britain, but insists he wants to represent the country of his birth.

“It was a disagreement [leading to withdrawing from the U21s] so it wasn’t a decision. It wasn’t a decision, because I still want to represent Portugal,” Carvalho told Eleven Sports.

“I am Portuguese and I want to play for the Seleção. It was a disagreement between me and the under-21s. If I continue to play and continue to play well I will be called up again. Portugal is my country and I always want to represent Portugal.”

Carvalho barely featured for Liverpool in the second half of last season, leading to a summer loan switch to Germany, where he links up with fellow Portuguese André Silva. Leipzig have also added exciting Dutch youngster Xavi Simons to their squad ahead of the new campaign, which will see them competing in the Champions League.