We intend to pick Costa: Scolari

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed his intention to select Diego Costa for the country's international football friendlies against Chile and Honduras next month.

Brazil-born Costa last week expressed his wish to play for Spain, where he has lived since 2007, reports Xinhua.

The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has written to the world football's governing body FIFA seeking approval for the move.

But Scolari suggested the 25-year-old was a part of his World Cup plans.

"Spain should respect Brazil's right to choose its players." Scolari said.

The Atletico Madrid striker represented Brazil in two friendlies in March but remains eligible to play for Spain, where he holds a passport, as he has not played a competitive international fixture.

"We intend to pick him again. We want to be able to better analyse him," Scolari said. "He is a Brazilian who has been performing well with Atletico Madrid.

"When Diego played for us the first time we heard about his satisfaction to be defending the colours of Brazil and that's still the case."

Costa is the leading scorer in Spain's La Liga this season with 10 goals from nine matches.