Mamelodi Sundowns forward Lucas Ribeiro Costa admits that it’s tough for him to break through into the Brazil national team because of top player quality in the side.
Ribeiro has been phenomenal for Sundowns since making his move from Belgium’s second division side SK Beveren, winning the league title and African Football League in his debut season.
Since arriving at Chloorkop, he has scored 23 goals in all competitions and this season it seems like he has settled well. Despite his top performances and winning Man Of The Match awards, he hasn’t been called up for the Brazil national team.
The 26-year-old admitted that it is very tough to break through into that Brazilian national team squad, which is full of top-quality players, especially in the attacking area to name a few – Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Barcelona midfielder Rafinha.
“I feel liberated when I play because I’ve been given the freedom to express myself and that makes me happy,” Ribeiro told the media.
“The perspective of playing for the [Brazil] national team is a different story because it is also difficult because you know the qualities of the national team players that are playing for Brazil are high level.
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“If one gets the opportunity, that would be also a changing opportunity but where I’m at I’m playing freely and enjoying South Africa and South African football. I’m playing with joy which is very key and vital for every player being happy.
“I am at that level of being happy and demonstrating and reflecting on my qualities also with the help of my teammates and the advice they give me.
“It also plays a huge role for me to be happy here. When it comes to the national team it is something that will be a big plus.”
