Athletic Bilbao`s Amorebieta called up by Venezuela

Caracas: Athletic Bilbao central defender Fernando Amorebieta, who played for Spain at junior level, has been included in Venezuela`s squad for upcoming friendlies on Wednesday.

Coach Cesar Farias included the 25-year-old in a 23-man squad to face Colombia and Ecuador next month.Amorebieta, born in Venezuela and raised in the Basque Country, has yet to reply to a private invitation sent several days earlier by the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF). "Some days ago he was sent a private call-up," FVF President Rafael Esquivel said in a statement. "We are awaiting his reply in view of his own interest in wearing the Vinotinto (red wine) shirt and Farias`s wish to have him in the team given his excellent sporting qualities."Venezuela, preparing for next year`s Copa America in Argentina, will play Colombia at home on Sept. 3 and Ecuador four days later. Bureau Report