Last December, Leeds United’s Junior Firpo stated he was keen to play for the Dominican Republic after previously representing Spain’s U21 side. He also revealed the national team coach, Marcelo Neveleff, met him several times in England to convince him to join the squad.
The left-back received his first call-up for March’s international break, and is set to take on Aruba and Peru.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash against Aruba, the Dominican Republic football association formally presented the Leeds player to the media for the first time, and El Caribe have relayed his comments.
The newspaper says the 27-year-old is set to make his national team debut this weekend and this has brought immense joy and pride, both for him and his family.
Félix Rubén García Ciprián, the association’s president, and Neveleff, worked persuading him to be part of their project for several months. Their efforts paid off and the Leeds man has now thanked them all.
“I wanted to thank the entire federation because in the end they were the ones who made it possible for me to be here, transmitting and showing me that the future of the Dominican Republic is very bright,” Firpo explained.
“I have come to try to do my best, to help grow football in the country, to make football a great power here and I think we have a lot of material for it and a great future. I encourage you to help us, support us, come fill the stadiums and cheer on the team because I’m sure that we will help us give what we have to on the field.”
Firpo further stated he will continue to represent the national team “as long as I have the legs”.
The defender has registered five assists from 22 games for Leeds this season.
