Choosing Brazil over Spain was easiest decision, says Rafinha

The midfielder says he was never tempted to change his international allegiance from his country of birth to the nation where has spent the last nine years

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha says his decision to play international football for Brazil ahead of Spain was the "easiest of his life".

The 22-year-old and Philippe Coutinho were added to Brazil's squad for the friendlies against Costa Rica on September 5 and United States three days later, after Chelsea duo Oscar and Ramires withdrew having picked up injuries.

Rafinha was born in Sao Paulo but has lived in Barcelona since the age of 13, while older brother and five-time international Thiago plays for Spain, but he insists his international allegiance was never in doubt ahead of his first appearance for the Selecao.

He said: "The choice between Brazil and Spain was the easiest decision I've made in my life. I'm Brazilian, 100 per cent Brazilian.

"I went with my heart and chose Brazil. When you follow your heart, your dreams come true."
Rafinha added: "My Dad and I always tried to convince Thiago to play for Brazil, but unfortunately it didn't work. He got his call-up for Spain very early on