Topics: Rafael da Silva, Manchester United, Brazil, USA
At last, Manchester United’s talented defender Rafael Da Silva has received a call-up to play at the senior level for the first ever time in his life! New Brazilian boss Mano Menezes has included the 20-year-old Red Devil in Brazil's 24-man squad which will face the USA in an international friendly match on Tuesday, August 10.

Rafael da Silva of Manchester United pictured during training.Rafael da Silva can look back at his international career having represented Brazil’s U-17 team at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007 and experiencing a Round of 16 defeat to eventual fourth-place finishers Ghana.

Both Rafael and his twin brother Fabio hold a Portuguese citizenship. Rafael da Silva therefore considered Carlos Queiroz’s demand to have him play for Portugal since he was keen to perform at the senior level while his twin brother had set his mind on representing Brazil. Rafael Da Silva didn’t make it to the 2010 World Cup finals–neither with Portugal nor with Brazil.

 

But after a long wait, the Manchester United defender could finally celebrate his first ever call-up to senior international football. On July 26 2010, Rafael got included in Mano Menezes’ 24-man squad which will face the USA on August 10, 2010. As Mano Menezes will mark his first game in charge of Brazil’s national football team since the sacking of former World Cup winning captain and manager Carlos Dunga, so could Rafael mark his first ever appearance in a Brazil jersey at the senior level with some playing time against the USA.

Manchester United’s official website quoted him as saying:Rafael da Silva in N.2 jersey, celebrates with his twin brother Fabio da Silva under a U-17 Brazilian jersey.

“I’m so happy to have been called up to the national team. I’m very proud. It is my first call and I hope that there will be more to come in future.

“The coach called me before announcing the squad. He asked me how I felt and how my training was going. I was so happy when he told me that I was going to be in the squad.”

Rafael da Silva, whose only two goals for Manchester United are remembered for their brilliance, is keen to follow Maicon’s footsteps. The 20-year-old revealed:

“Maicon plays in my position. He is a great play and I can learn a lot from him. I’m so fortunate to play for the best team in the world, Manchester United. Now playing for my country will be a dream come true.”

Follow the USA vs Brazil International Friendly Match on LiveSoccerTV.com on August 10, 2010. Get more info ahead of the match by checking the "Related Articles" section below.