{{primary_category}}
{{/primary_category}} 
Liverpool unexpectedly joined by Fabio Carvalho over break after he quits international duty via text
Fabio Carvalho was expected to join up with Portugal’s U21s this week, but the 20-year-old will instead stay at Liverpool after quitting via text.
Carvalho was one of many Liverpool stars expected to jet out to join their national teams this week, although he wasn’t expected to travel to the World Cup.
Instead, the Liverpool playmaker was set to link up with the Portugal U21s team ahead of their friendly matches against Czechia and Japan.
But in a bizarre turn of events, he informed Portugal via text that he would not be taking part in the squad as he is giving up representing the nation.
Portugal released a statement about Carvalho’s decision that read: “Fábio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at the under-21 level.
“This decision by the player was communicated after the squad for the preparation games against Czechia and Japan was known.”
Subscribe to Football Insider TV now
England call-up pending?
With Carvalho now revealing that he doesn’t intend to represent Portugal at a national level, he’s set to return to Anfield and rejoin training with players that didn’t receive international call-ups.
It’s a boost for Jurgen Klopp to know that the talented 20-year-old will avoid injury, but it also begs the question of why he gave up his representation.
The most likely reason is that Carvalho is eyeing up a spot in the England squad. The Liverpool youngster featured in the England Under-16s, Under-17s and Under-18s during his youth, and he was also raised in England during his five years in Fulham’s youth academy.
Carvalho is yet to give an official reason behind his decision, but England’s youth coaches will certainly be in communication with him about his next steps internationally.
Should he keep impressing and growing at Liverpool, there’s a good chance he receives a call-up to the England Under-21s side in the near future.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool tie down Ben Doak to a professional deal