Dante surprised by Brazil selection

Bayern Munich defender Dante has revealed he thought his first call-up to the Brazil squad was a joke.

The 29-year-old was named as part of Luis Felipe Scolari’s side to face England in a friendly next month, but the stopper said he thought team-mate Luis Gustavo was playing games when he told him the news.

“I learned about it (the call-up) on the Tuesday immediately after training,” Dante told TZ.

“It was Luiz Gustavo who told me. I could not believe it at first. I thought he was joking, but then when I looked at my phone, I knew he was telling the truth. I had over 50 missed calls on the phone.”

Despite his initial shock at his selection, Dante insisted he is now determined to remain a part of the national side until the World Cup on home soil next year.

“Playing in the World Cup in Brazil my dream,” he said.

“But I will continue to work hard. However, it is already an honour for me to have been named for the game in England.

“There are really great players who play in this team. I will do everything possible to continue to be a part of it.”

Dante has made 18 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern this season, scoring once.