Pulgar criticised in Chile after rejecting latest national team call-up | OneFootball

Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar has again declined a Chile call-up, prompting sharp criticism at home.

According to Globo.com, national coach Nicolás Córdova and team manager Felipe Correa travelled to Rio in August to present the 2030 project, but it had no effect. The report says Pulgar believes he no longer needs to return, amid heavy criticism and his focus on Flamengo.

In past windows he cited personal or physical issues, including muscle overload. He recently wrote on social media that he has no problem with Córdova.

“If that is the reason, he has a very fragile mind. People will always criticise and you must accept that. If he will not go because he will be booed, I would never call him again, going to the national team has to come from within,” he told Tipsters.

“Erick is the best Chilean player we have. He needs to be here now, he has an incredible trajectory in Brazil and is the best in his position in South America today,” he told ESPN.

“A player must always be available, regardless of who the coach is. Do not call me a nationalist only when it suits you. Either you are in or you are out,” he told TNT Sports.

Pulgar later stressed that relations with Córdova are respectful and that he prefers to answer on the pitch. He also urged more attention for the young players now being called up, who he said deserve support, space and trust.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”