The defender Alexander Barboza, son of a father who is a fan of Peñarol but prefers Nacional and Cerro, is one step away from joining the Uruguayan national football team. After Botafogo’s defeat against Racing in the Sudamericana Recopa, Barboza took advantage of his trip back to Brazil to make a stop in Montevideo and complete the procedures for his naturalization.
"My father is a fan of Peñarol, but Ale gave me a Nacional jersey and I am a fan of Cerro," the player revealed with laughter. For his part, his father, Esteban Barboza, expressed his desire to see his son play with the Uruguay jersey: "I would like him to play for the Uruguayan national team. He wants to do it to give me the satisfaction of watching him play."
Barboza showed excitement about facing the classic match against Argentina in the next FIFA date. From the airport, the defender expressed his happiness to be in the orbit of Marcelo Bielsa's selection. He confirmed that the Uruguayan Football Association had already shown interest in his situation: "I have high expectations of being in the national team. For me, it is a very nice moment to obtain the passport and be considered."
Additionally, he thanked Alejandro Balbi, president of Nacional, for his cooperation in the process. Barboza concluded with a remarkable statement: "Once I am on Bielsa’s list, I will be the most Uruguayan of all."
