Carvalho's private message over Portugal U21s quit decision leaves boss 'hurt'

Portugal under-21 boss Rui Jorge has been left 'hurt' by Fabio Carvalho's brutal snub after the Liverpool starlet insisted that playing for the youth side did not "benefit" him.

Carvalho made headlines earlier this week when it was revealed that he had withdrawn from international duty via text message - despite the fact he'd been called up for Portugal U21's double-header against Czech Republic and Japan.

Although no official reason was given when the news broke on Tuesday, Jorge has now shed some light on the decision by Carvalho, who earned a dream move to Liverpool in the summer following a stunning 12 months with Fulham.

"Being in the Under-21s no longer brings any benefit," Jorge replied when he was asked for some clarification behind Carvalho's shock decision, with a fresh report from Cabine Desportiva claiming that the Portuguese boss was left 'hurt' after learning the news.

He continued: "We are from different generations, I know, but I thought he would call and that we could talk. I make a point of telling all the players that only I want in this space anyone who really wants to be here."

When he was asked if he had a message for Carvalho after his abrupt withdrawal, Jorge bluntly retorted: "All of us here wish you luck in your career."

Join the debate! Would you like to see Carvalho involved in the England set-up after the World Cup? Let us know here.

Carvalho was initially called up for Portugal's U21 European Championship qualifiers earlier this year but had represented England at various age groups before he was approached by the Selecao.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Lisbon but moved to London back in 2013, even captained the Three Lions at U17 level - but England were unable to select him for U21 duty as the youngster did not possess an English passport.

However, Carvalho's decision to turn his back on Portugal has sparked fresh hope that the Fulham academy graduate could perform a sensational U-turn and represent England again in the future.

Carvalho scored two goals in four games for Portugal's under-21s and was even named in Fernando Santos' provisional 55-man squad for the World Cup.

But the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that the Liverpool forward would no longer be representing them moving forward.

Their initial statement read: "A footballer has decided to give up representing the Portuguese Under-21 team. Fabio Carvalho informed the Portuguese Football Federation, through some SMS messages, that he does not intend to continue representing Portugal at Under-21 level.

"This decision by the player was communicated after the call-up for friendlies against Czech Republic and Japan was made."

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