RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazil coach Tite has revealed that midfielder Fernandinho asked to be left out of the national team after this year's World Cup because of threats to his family.
Fernandinho last played for the Selecao in their 2-1 loss to Belgium in the quarterfinals of football's showpiece tournament in Russia, a match in which the Manchester City player netted an own goal.
"The first player I wanted to call up [after the World Cup] was Fernandinho," Tite said during an interview aired by Brazil's SporTV on Saturday. "He is an extraordinary player."
"But this cruelty was directed at his family and he promised them that he would not go back. I went to talk to him personally because the Brazilian team is very proud to have an athlete with such dignity and professionalism.
"I'm not stupid enough to summon an unhappy player. I hope [the situation changes]. I will support him a lot."
Brazil have won each of their six matches since the World Cup -- friendlies against the United States, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Uruguay and Cameroon -- without conceding a single goal.
Fernandinho, 33, has been in fine form for Manchester City this season as a regular starter under coach Pep Guardiola.
