PSV captain Mauro Junior has described his first Brazil call-up as a huge honour, while admitting that the 4-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam exposed areas where the Eredivisie leaders still need to improve.

Mauro Junior is preparing for a career milestone after receiving his first senior call-up for Brazil.

The PSV captain was selected by Carlo Ancelotti for the upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India, giving the versatile defender an opportunity to make his debut for the Seleção.

The call-up came after Mauro returned to PSV’s starting XI against Sparta Rotterdam on Sunday. He had missed the Champions League meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk through suspension but was back in the side as Peter Bosz’s team recovered from an early setback to win 4-1.

Sven Mijnans scored a hat-trick, while Kodai Sano added the other goal as PSV moved back to the top of the Eredivisie.

Speaking to ESPN after the match, Mauro admitted he was delighted with the result but felt PSV could have been cleaner in possession.

“I’m really happy. It’s an honor to be with the Brazilian team. We took the three points, but in my opinion we lost too many balls. That’s something we need to work on.”

The 27-year-old revealed that Ancelotti’s decision came as a genuine surprise.

Despite establishing himself as an important figure for PSV and taking on the captaincy this season, Mauro did not expect to receive the call.

“It was really great. I was very surprised. Honestly, I didn’t expect to be called up.”

His wife was the first person he contacted after receiving the news.

“My wife was the first person I called. Immediately after I received the message.”

The moment represents the culmination of a long journey for Mauro, who has spent much of his professional career in the Netherlands and developed from a midfielder into a versatile defensive player.

His performances for PSV have now earned him recognition from Brazil, with Ancelotti handing him the opportunity to compete for a place in the national team.

Mauro was quick to acknowledge the level of competition within the Brazilian squad and credited his PSV teammates for helping him reach this point.

“I am proud of myself and proud of the team. They helped me reach this wonderful moment.”

As relayed by PSV Inside, the captain also stressed the significance of being selected by one of international football’s most competitive nations.

“It is not easy to be part of the Brazilian squad. We have so many great players.”

Before joining up with Brazil, however, Mauro has one more responsibility with PSV.

Bosz’s side travel to face FC Twente next Sunday, with the match serving as the final club fixture before the international break.

For Mauro, the priority is to complete his duties with PSV before turning his attention fully towards his first experience with Brazil.

“First I have to focus on my club and the last match. Then I will be fully focused on the national team.”

The PSV captain therefore has a clear order of priorities: finish the club’s work against Twente, then begin a new chapter with Brazil. For a player who admitted he never expected the call, the next few weeks could prove particularly significant.