Al Ain playmaker Ignacio Scocco has been called up to the Argentine national team for the first time.
Scocco, currently on a season-long loan with Argentine top-flight side Newell’s Old Boys, has been named in Alejandro Sabella’s squad for Argentina’s friendly match with rivals Brazil on Wednesday.
The call-up is just reward for the 27-year-old who has enjoyed a fine 12 months both here in the UAE and back in his native Argentina since returning this summer.
His Argentina bow will garner added interest in the UAE after Scocco enjoyed a fine season in the Pro League last season, becoming an integral part of Al Ain’s title-winning side.
Signed from Greek giants AEK Athens in the summer of 2011, Scocco scored eight goals during his time at the Tahnoun bin Mohammed Stadium as The Boss secured their 10th league crown in some style.
His creative thrust and invention helped Scocco become a huge fans favourite in the Garden City as he f0rmed a devastating partnership with Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan.
Al Ain reluctantly allowed Scocco to depart midway through his two-year deal this summer after his wife failed to settle in the Emirates.
But they will rightfully take some of the credit for the diminutive playmaker’s call up for La Albiceleste having given Scocco the platform to shine last season.
And having carried that form into the new campaign with Old Newell’s Boys he has now been rewarded with a call-up. Further proof, if ever it was needed, the Pro League is far from a retirement home for international stars.
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