Sheffield United striker Ben Brereton continues to be a subject of some controversy in Chile.
The centre-forward had been initially left out of the last national team camp due to his lack of Spanish language skills, with manager Ricardo Gareca then forced to change his decision because of injuries.
The coach has now been interviewed by Carve Deportiva, and in quotes brought by La Tercera, there was a new mention of Brereton.
Gareca insisted that the Sheffield United player should learn Spanish to play for Chile, and gave all of his reasons for it.
“What I said is real, but there have been many interpretations. Journalism has a perception and a vision that can be distorted a little,” said Gareca.
“What I said was in one sense only. It’s not going to condition him in a call-up that he is English or that he was born in England and doesn’t speak fluent Spanish. I spoke to him and told him that I would like him to learn Spanish. Not everyone speaks English.
“I want him to adapt quickly to Chile. The quicker he adapts, the sooner he learns the language, the better. I specifically told him to learn Spanish because it will help him to communicate on the pitch and in training, and it can open doors for him on the South American continent.”
Brereton was born in Stoke-on-Trent and even played for England’s youth squads, but ended up accepting Chile’s invitation and made his debut back in 2021.
He already made 29 appearances for the South American country, yet continues to be far from a fluent Spanish speaker.
The striker belongs to Villarreal, but is loaned to Sheffield United until the end of the season. So far, he has four goals and one assist in nine appearances for the Blades.
