Burnley's Florentino Luis moves to shoot down reports over his international allegiance
Burnley’s Florentino Luis has moved to shoot down reports he reneged on an agreement to represent the Angolan national team.
While the midfielder was born in the African country, he moved to Portugal at a young age.
The 26-year-old has since represented Portugal throughout the youth age groups, from Under-15 to Under-21, but has yet to appear for the senior side.
In recent days, reports emerged from Angola suggesting Florentino had “everything arranged” to change his allegiance to the country of his birth, only to back out.
But the former Benfica midfielder has denied those reports in a lengthy statement on social media.
"Regarding the news that circulated today, I consider it important to clarify that there was never any agreement for me to represent the Angolan national team,” he wrote on his Instagram page.
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"I was born in Angola and I have a deep pride in my origins, which are part of my identity and my personal and family history.
"At the same time, it was in Portugal that I grew up from a very young age and where I graduated. It was in Portugal that I had my first opportunities and conditions to evolve as a player and as a person.
"My desire to represent Portugal is very great. I have already had the privilege of wearing the national colours, of being European champion in the Under-17 and Under-19 levels, and I aspire to represent the Portuguese national team at the highest level again, in the main team.
"Everything related to my international journey has always been lived with respect, clarity and truth.”
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