Barca’s Arthur To Play For Brazil Against Nigeria

Brazil international and Barcelona midfielder, Arthur Melo, has decided to honour his country’s invitation to Singapore to play against Nigeria but his club is not very happy about his decision.

He, however, said he understands his club’s consternation with him joining the Brazil squad for two friendlies in Singapore, but the midfielder said it is too big an honour to turn down.

Per Joaquim Piera of Sport, “nothing justifies” Brazil’s decision to organise fixtures that will require Arthur and others to make a lengthy round trip to Singapore early in the new season and potentially will put their fitness at risk.

Barca would likely have preferred their in-form central midfielder not to go on the trip.

But the 23-year-old has said he will always make the effort to go anywhere to represent his national side, per EFE (h/t Marca):

“I understand Barcelona’s side, but for me and for everyone it is a huge honour and a matter of pride [to play for the national team]. Whenever I can, I won’t consider the effort of it and I will do my best to go. Here [at Brazil] they do the best possible job for the health of the footballers. They are quite aware that players have to return well to their clubs.”