Ben Brereton Diaz is dropped by Chile because he CAN’T speak Spanish – as the English-born Sheffield United striker is told he ‘has had enough time to learn’ since his first call-up in 2021
- The 24-year-old was dropped by Chile because he does not speak fluent Spanish
- Ben Brereton Diaz was born in Stoke-on-Trent, but is eligible to play for Chile
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Sheffield United striker Ben Brereton Diaz has been told he must learn to speak Spanish if he wants to be part of the Chilean national team.
Brereton Diaz has been dropped from the South American squad for the upcoming friendlies against Albania and France, with manager Ricardo Gareca criticizing his language skills.
The 24-year-old has already made 27 appearances for Chile but has now been told he must master the Spanish language if he wants to remain selected.
Gareca believes that Brereton Diaz has had ‘enough time’ to master the language and explained that it is essential that he learns to speak Spanish fluently.
Brereton Diaz was born in Stoke-on-Trent but is eligible to play for the South American team because his mother is originally 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
Gareca explained the reason for leaving out the striker for the next round of international matches: ‘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 to) speak Spanish.
“It’s something I told him personally, that I would like him to speak Spanish. I think it is essential for communication.
“Communication with his teammates, with me, with the coaching staff, with the people (and) with the press,” he added.
The news will come as a blow to Chilean supporters, who have previously been charmed by the on-loan Premier League striker’s ability and personality.
Chile coach Ricardo Gareca has dropped Diaz for Chile’s upcoming friendlies
The 24-year-old forward has been told to learn Spanish by Gareca, who labeled it ‘essential’
Brereton Diaz was previously involved in massive marketing and press campaigns across South America at the time of his first call-up by Chile.
Meanwhile, Gareca was appointed coach of the first team in January and has quickly adopted a no-nonsense approach to team selection, as Brereton Diaz has now discovered.
The former Blackburn star scored seven goals in 27 appearances for Chile. He has also scored two goals in four Premier League games since joining the Blades in January.