Greece to Call Up Castillo

[Beckhams]

The Greek FA has admitted it will call up Olympiakos striker Nery Alberto Castillo.

The player is at the centre of a three way battle for his international allegiance, with the Greeks, Mexico and Uruguay all eligible for his services.

The 22-year-old has spent the last 6 years in Greece, but was born in Mexico and raised in Uruguay.

After drawing the attention of Chelsea this season, the player has shot to prominence must now decide on where his international future lies.

It is believed that representing Greece is Castillo's first option as it would allow him easier access to move to one of Europe's bigger leagues. A problem he has dealt with in the past.

As a youngster, Castillo was denied the chance of joining Manchester United because he could not obtain international clearance.

A Greek FA official confirmed their intention to select the forward in the near future.

"If Castillo is going to give us a positive answer, he will play for the national team much earlier than you expect," said the unnamed spokesman.

"Maybe he will play for us at the qualification game against Turkey at Karaiskaki Stadium on March 24."

Greece boss Otto Rehhagel is believed to have told officials to secure the player as quickly as possible and is seeking to speak with the player himself to learn of his intentions.


Wow...

[Beckhams]

What will the Greeks think of this? First time a non-Greek is playing for the NT?

[macedonian]

It's the second time to the best of my knowledge. People have to undrstand this dude has lived in Greece since he was a teen. I won't lead any charge on any side, but we are Greeks and I won't stand for any disrespect or intolerance by any member here. State your opinion, t keep the comments respectful.

[shevchenko]

Im sure Castillo will choose Greece, since it is the smartest decision hands down....

[Panathenian_fan]

They are many rumors in the foreign media but nothing is decided yet.

The latest progress was Gagatsis' statement that the HFF is not going to work with Castillo's case except if he obtains the Greek citizenship. It's up to him.

Personally I' ve expressed my opinion about this on another thread.

[marseilles]

If he doesn't have citizenship, then how would he play? Nope, nothing for this dude until he is naturalized. After that, why not? He is rooted in Greece, it isn't as if he just moved there to play.

[Panathenian_fan]

Originally Posted by marseilles

If he doesn't have citizenship, then how would he play? Nope, nothing for this dude until he is naturalized. After that, why not? He is rooted in Greece, it isn't as if he just moved there to play.

What I meant is that the HFF is not going to do any actions to help Castillo obrain the citizenship (according to Gagatsis). Only if Castillo gets the citizenship by his own initiative, then the HFF will promote him in the NT.

[marseilles]

Originally Posted by Panathenian_fan

What I meant is that the HFF is not going to do any actions to help Castillo obrain the citizenship (according to Gagatsis). Only if Castillo gets the citizenship by his own initiative, then the HFF will promote him in the NT.

I agree with the HFF on that. If he wants to be Greek, let him do it. It's not up to the HFF to do it for him. That's not a shot at him, just the way it should be.

[macedonian]

I'm with Glass Joe above me here. Marseilles is right.

[Panathenian_fan]

Originally Posted by Beckhams

First time a non-Greek is playing for the NT?

As Macedonian mentioned it is going to be the second time (IF Castillo plays for our NT).

Portuguese Daniel Batista obtained the Hellenic citizenship and played for the national team of Greece about 10 years ago.