Chelsea midfielder Jorginho admits Arsenal chief Edu approached him about playing for Brazil four years ago.
Jorginho has just helped Italy win Euro 2020.
He told SporTV: "I also played in the U21s for Italy. As soon as the call came to me, I accepted immediately. Honestly I saw the Brazilian national team as something far away. I grew up in Italy (in the youth team of Verona) and Italy opened doors to me. In short, I honestly didn't think twice.
"After the Under 21s, I had played with the senior national team in only friendlies. In November 2017 came the call-up for the world 'playoff' with Sweden but at that time I had also looked for Brazil. Edu Gaspar, former coordinator of the national team, had told me: 'Jorge, we are thinking of calling you, but I can't guarantee anything. I know it's hard, talk to your family'. And everything got complicated. It was my childhood dream to play with Brazil.
"But I felt that Italy needed help, that fundamental game was being played with Sweden. And when I needed help, Italy helped me, hugged me and opened the doors to me. I didn't feel comfortable turning my back on her. My heart said 'No, Italy needs you'. So I made that choice and I'm honestly very happy about it."
