Possebon learning Italian

Promising Manchester United midfielder Rodrigo Possebon is ready to turn his back on Brazil to pledge his international future to Italy.

To avoid work permit difficulties, the 20-year-old secured an Italian passport through paternal ancestry before signing for United 15 months ago.

And he is keen to play for the Azzurri after making his debut for the Under 20s in a 5-0 defeat to Germany last week.

The match does not prevent him from playing for the country of his birth, but Possebon said:'I will grab this chance with both hands and give all that I have.

'I decided that Italy was the country that has recognized my work and I don't think I will change my mind.

'I was in Italy for a while to get the passport. The Italian Federation contacted me, asking if I would accept should I be called up, and I said yes.

'It is a way of saying thanks to the country that gave me the opportunity to play in Europe, Manchester. I am studying Italian and eventually I will be speaking it well.'

However, the former Internacional player is in no mood to leave Old Trafford for Serie A after forming a close bond with compatriots Anderson, Rafael and Fabio da Silva, and fellow Portuguese-speaker Cristiano Ronaldo.

'I am very pleased here in Manchester,' said Possebon, who is under contract at United until 2011. 'If you look at the squad, there are many midfielders of high quality.

'I'm looking good, I'm feeling well, and I'm happy. I know it is not easy to get an opportunity, but I will take it in the future.'