The president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has caused a stir with an apparently bold idea that could shake up the country's national team.

Speaking to O Povo/CBN Radio in his home country, Lula appeared less than impressed with the standard of some of the Selecao's more established names playing in Europe.

Indeed, he claimed that Brazilians playing in those leagues "are not stars yet" — an apparent criticism of the likes of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Eder Militao, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and others.

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Lula also suggested that players who play in Brazil's top domestic league, the Brasileirao, should be given greater priority when it comes to being called up to play for the national team. 

He argued that "those who are abroad are no better than those who are here" and that there is "no Garrincha or Romario" playing for foreign clubs, but rather youngsters who have not yet reached the level of the biggest stars.

He even claimed to have suggested the idea of naming a Brazil squad entirely comprising players based in the country during a meeting with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues.

If such a plan were to become reality, it could dramatically change the face of Brazil's national squad. However, it's also likely to meet severe resistance from FIFA and the established rules for international football that prohibit interference from national leaders or governments.

That said, the mere suggestion from the country's president has got many in the sport talking.

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Source: 90MIN 

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