Rafinha: 'Easy to choose Brazil'

Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has revealed that it did not take him long to decide to play his international football for Brazil.

The 22-year-old was born in Brazil, but has represented Spain at youth level after qualifying for both countries through his father, former Brazil international Mazinho, who played for seven years in Spain.

Rafinha's brother, Bayern Munich's Thiago, chose Spain over Brazil, but the Barca attacker has said that he "followed his heart" to represent the South Americans.

"The choice between Brazil and Spain was the easiest of my life. I'm 100% Brazilian," Marca quotes Rafinha as saying. "I followed my heart and chose Brazil. When you follow your heart your dream comes true."

Rafinha has been called into the latest Brazil squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States.