Flamengo defender Mari dreaming of Spain call-up

RIO DE JANEIRO - Flamengo defender Pablo Mari has expressed hope that his trophy-laden first season at the Brazilian club could lead to an international call-up with his native Spain.

Mari, who joined Flamengo from Deportivo La Coruna in July, has been a key part of the Rubro-Negro team that secured the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A titles last weekend.

"Obviously one of my objectives is to possibly be called up for the national team," the 26-year-old former Manchester City player told a news conference on Tuesday.

"For me it would be something wonderful. Hopefully one day I will have the possibility of wearing that shirt. It would make me very proud."

Mari has made 27 appearances across all competitions for Flamengo, forming an imposing central defensive partnership with Rodrigo Caio.

Flamengo's 2-1 victory over Argentina's River Plate in the Copa Libertadores final on Saturday made him the first Spanish player to win South America's premier club competition.

"In five months I've worked hard to earn the right to be here, to be champion of [South] America," he said. "And I think I've also earned a little respect from people at home."

Mari said he is looking forward to the possibility of facing European champions Liverpool in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar next month.

"Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world. We will fight all the way to reach the final and try to win the competition. We have shown that anything can happen in a football match," he added.