Blades ace earns late international call-up despite recent comments

Ben Brereton-Diaz was publicly criticised by his international manager last week, as Chilean head coach Ricardo Gareca stated to the media that the forward would not be receiving an international call-up until he learned Spanish.

However, the Chile boss has made a swift U-turn on his comments.

Despite scoring seven goals in 27 caps, the coach asserted that the decision to exclude him wasn’t solely based on technical factors. He informed the player, hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, that learning Spanish could enhance his prospects of being selected.

Sheffield United’s recent announcement of Brereton-Diaz joining the national team has sparked surprise even among the Chilean media, as noted by La Tercera.

Gareca previously stated: “I would like him to learn Spanish, I think it is important. He was called up for the Copa America two years ago, he has had enough time to [learn how to] speak Spanish.”

Even though the 24-year-old has been in decent form since signing on loan for Sheffield United, from Villarreal, in January, Brereton-Diaz is only receiving a last minute call-up because Chile have an injury crisis in forward areas. Currently four players have been ruled out since the initial squad was announced.

Brereton-Diaz will hope to impress Gareca if he has aspirations of playing in the Copa America in the summer.