After a nine-year rise from Eredivisie prospect to PSV captain, the versatile player prepares to trade Eindhoven for the Seleção, seeking to cement his international breakthrough against Australia.
Mauro Junior is hoping to make his Brazil debut when Carlo Ancelotti's side face Australia on Friday, with the PSV captain looking to cap a remarkable nine-year journey at the Eindhoven club.
Ancelotti selected the 27-year-old for Brazil's current international window, and he earned his first call-up after establishing himself as an important figure at PSV.
Mauro's journey with the Dutch club began in 2017, when he made his first-team debut as a midfielder. Since then, he has developed into a versatile player capable of operating in both midfield and defence, eventually becoming PSV's captain.
Now, almost a decade after his first senior appearance for the club, Mauro has been given the opportunity to represent Brazil at the senior level.
Speaking to FIFA's media channels, the PSV captain admitted that playing for his country had remained a long-standing ambition.
“I always hoped to play for the national team.”
For Mauro, the call-up represents the reward for the work he has put in since arriving at PSV. He believes his development in Eindhoven has played a central role in earning Ancelotti's attention.
“I have always worked extremely hard to reach that level, and I think this call-up is the reward for my work at PSV over the past nine years. For me, this is a logical outcome of my career so far.”
Mauro could make his debut against Australia on Friday, although Brazil also have another fixture against India during the international window.
Regardless of which match provides his first opportunity, as relayed by PSV Inside, the PSV captain is determined to make the most of his chance.
“I never gave up this dream. Even though I am 27. This is a dream I always had and now I have this chance.”
Mauro also knows that his opportunity is about more than simply making an appearance. With three matches available to impress during the current period, he wants to demonstrate that he belongs at international level.
“I have three matches to give it my all and to prove that I deserve my place here.”
For the PSV captain, the possibility of pulling on the Brazil shirt represents the latest step in a career that began with his first-team debut in Eindhoven nine years ago. A debut against Australia would add another significant chapter to his long association with PSV and provide the Brazilian with the chance to begin his international career under Ancelotti.
