Jorge Jesus wanted to count on Rafa Silva among his options for the Portuguese National Team. The current national team coach tried to convince the forward to reverse his decision to leave the Selecção team, having extended a direct invitation to the player. However, the Benfica player remained firm in his stance and refused to return to represent the Portuguese national team.
Jorge Jesus's interest in the player's return is based on a deep knowledge of his quality. The coach holds Rafa in high regard, having worked with him at Benfica throughout the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons. This connection fueled the national team coach's expectation to rehabilitate the player for the Selecção setup.
The refusal conveyed by the 33-year-old athlete is linked to his personal conviction to honor the word he gave in the past. The forward renounced representation of the Selecção team in 2022, citing strictly personal reasons. Since that time, the Portuguese international has never represented the national team again.
