Mauro Júnior closes door on Netherlands to pursue Brazil dream

Mauro Júnior has definitively ruled out representing the Netherlands, stating that he wants to continue his international career with Brazil. The PSV defender and midfielder had previously been considered a possible option for Oranje but has now made his preference clear.

Speaking to ESPN in comments reported by Voetbalzone, Mauro said the possibility of playing for the Netherlands was over. “My dream has always been to play for Brazil,” he said. The 27-year-old explained that Brazil is both his country of birth and the national side he has always wanted to represent.

Mauro has already collected three Brazil caps. He appeared as a substitute and also made a start across two September matches against Australia, before providing an assist against India. The shirt he wore against Australia is now at his home after being signed by his PSV team-mates, and he intends to give it a special place.

The versatile player has been with PSV since 2017. Before establishing himself with Brazil, he could have pursued a Netherlands passport if selected for Oranje without having to surrender his Brazilian nationality. His international future is no longer open, however, and his immediate attention now returns to club football. PSV resume their Eredivisie campaign at home to SC Heerenveen on Friday.