Celtic loanee Alexandro Bernabei hopes to realise a life ambition of being called up to play for Argentina’s senior team after a sensational career revival back in South America.
The left-back has been on fire for Internacional over the past few weeks and months, establishing himself as one of the best players in his position in the Brazilian top flight.
Bernabei has scored two goals and assisted as many in his previous six appearances. Celtic reportedly wanting upwards of £8m from Internacional for his permanent services should be no surprise given the 24-year-old’s electric form.
Indeed, because of Bernabei’s stunning career revival back in South America, he has been tipped for a surprise Argentina call-up for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru [The National].
The defender has previously played for his country’s under-23s but is yet to register a senior cap: “We are an incredible team – World Cup holders and Copa America champions – so of course, I know it will be incredibly difficult for me to be called up for the squad,” admitted Bernabei [The National].
“But nobody tells me that I can’t aim for that. I certainly hope, with my recent form, that it will be my turn soon.
“It is a dream that I have pending, and I am going to work as hard as possible for myself. If it happens, it happens.”
Bernabei getting called up to play for arguably the world’s current best international side would likely give Celtic a license to drive up their permanent asking price for him.
Despite showing signs of promise and potential, Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers never fancied him in Glasgow’s east end.
Bernabei’s erratic style of play, at least with Celtic, left much to be desired.
One can’t rule out him getting a second chance back in Scotland when his loan expires, though, especially with the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Greg Taylor’s contractual situation.
