Newcastle United young forward teases international U-turn after representing England
Newcastle United academy: Matheos Ferreira has impressed at youth level for the Magpies following his first professional contract.
Newcastle United winger and England youth international Matheos Ferreira has teased a potential international U-turn given his multiple nationalities.
The 17-year-old is about to complete his first season as a professional at Newcastle after progressing through the club’s academy from age 12.
Ferreira has established himself in United’s Under-21s side this season and scored a Premier League 2 hat-trick in a 4-3 win at Aston Villa back in February. He also scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 FA Youth Cup win against Portsmouth back in December.
Across all competitions and age groups, the teenage winger has scored nine goals in 27 appearances this season.
After signing his deal at Newcastle, Ferreira told Globo Esporte: “I just want to keep playing, be the best version of myself. The most important thing is that I want the best for my family, a better life, to be the best I can, without comparing myself to anyone. Just be myself and keep progressing.
“You have to be patient, because the time will come. It's how much you want it, how much you're willing to wait and sacrifice. The opportunity will appear. Just keep training, wait for the right moment and seize the opportunity when it comes.”
NUFC youngster teases international future
Ferreira hails from Berwick-upon-Tweed and has represented England at youth level. He is also eligible to represent Brazil through his father Thiago and Italy through his mother Camila.
And the winger has recently been in Italy to collect his Italian passport, teasing a potential change of allegiance at international level. Ferreira took to Instagram to post an image of his Italian passport, which would make him eligible for an Italy call-up.
Unlike at senior level, players are allowed to switch nationalities freely at youth level. Former Newcastle academy star Elliot Anderson famously switched back and forth between England and Scotland at youth level before finally being called up by the Scotland senior team only to remove himself from the squad and later represent England at senior level.
It proved to be an inspired decision by the midfielder, who now looks set to go to the World Cup with the Three Lions.