Sheffield United striker Ben Brereton Diaz has been told ‘he must ‘ learn to speak Spanish if he wants to be part of the Chile national team.
Diaz has been dropped from the south American side for upcoming friendlies against Albania and France ,with manager Ricardo Gareca hitting out at his language capabilities.
The 24-year-old has already made 27 appearances for Chile but has now been told he must get to grips with the Spanish language if he wants to continue being picked.
Gareca believes Diaz has had ‘enough time’ to get to grips with the language and explained it is essential he learns how to converse fluently in Spanish.
Brereton Diaz was born in Stoke-on-Trent but is eligible to play for the South American team due to his mother originally being from Chile.
Sheffield United striker Ben Brereton Diaz has been told ‘he must ‘ learn to speak Spanish if he wants to continue playing for Chile
Brereton Diaz is currently on-loan at Premier League strugglers Sheffield from LaLiga side Villarreal
Explaining his reason for the striker’s omission for the next round of international fixtures, Gareca said: ‘I would like him to learn Spanish, I think it is important.
‘He was called up for the Copa America two years ago, he has had enough time to [learn how to] speak Spanish.
‘It is something that I personally told him, that I would like him to speak Spanish. I consider it essential for communication.
‘Communication with his team-mates, with me, with the coaching staff, with the people [and] with the press,’ he added.
The news will come as a blow to Chile supporters who have previously been enamoured by the on-loan Premier League forward’s ability and personality.
Chile national team manager Ricardo Gareca has dropped Diaz for Chile’s upcoming friendlies
The 24-year-old striker has been told he must learn Spanish by Gareca who labelled it as ‘essential’
Brereton Diaz was previously involved in huge marketing and press campaigns throughout south America at the time of his initial call-up by Chile.
Meanwhile, Gareca was appointed first-team coach in January and is quickly adopting a no-nonsense approach to team selection.
Despite, his latest decision to drop Brereton Diaz, learning Spanish is not going to be a mandatory requirement for future selection.
The former Blackburn star has scored seven goals in 27 appearances for Chile.
