体坛英语新闻：Corinthians coach urges Paulinho to choose club over country

RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians coach Tite has called on star midfielder Paulinho to consider withdrawing from Brazil's national squad to focus on December's FIFA Club World Cup.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation for Mano Menezes' team since making his international debut against Argentina in September last year.

He looks certain to be called up for Brazil's friendlies against Colombia in New Jersey on November 14 and Argentina in Buenos Aires seven days later.

"It is an understandable sentiment for any player to want to play for their country," Tite said on Wednesday.`"I encourage all players to have the ambition to get into the Selecao, but it is another thing when it is so inconvenient for Corinthians."

The Club World Cup, contested annually by the champions of each of FIFA's continental confederations, will be played in Japan from December 6 to 16.

Corinthians, who won this year's Copa Libertadores tournament, are considered favorites to meet European champions Chelsea in the final.

When asked about whether he agreed with Tite's comments, Paulinho replied: "It's very difficult to be called up and we must seize the opportunity.

"Of course this can hurt the coaching staff and the club as a whole, but it is an opportunity for us players. Let us decide, we cannot let go of the opportunity."