Alex Teixeira's chances of playing for Brazil have been harmed by Shakhtar Donetsk refusing to sell him to Liverpool, according to Chelsea midfielder and compatriot Willian.
Liverpool were in talks to buy Teixeira, 26, from the Ukrainian club in January but could not agree a price and -- having confirmed his wish to move to Anfield -- the attacking midfielder then joined Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning after they met his release clause with a €50 million bid.
The uncapped Brazilian had said he wanted to enhance his international prospects by playing in the Premier League.
And Willian -- who spent five seasons at Shakhtar before joining Anzhi Makhachkala and then Chelsea -- told Squawka this would have boosted Teixeira's Brazil hopes but financial considerations had come first.
Willian himself earned two Brazil caps while at Shakhtar, but became a regular after arriving at Chelsea, winning 28 further caps.
"I wish him all the best in China," Willian said. "I'm sure that the financial aspect was crucial for his decision.
"He's a very good player and could easily adapt to English football. I'd personally be happy if he'd come to the Premier League or even to another big European club as it would increases his chances to play for the Selecao."
Willian said that by selling their star assets to smaller clubs for more money, Shakhtar were pursuing deals that did not always match their players' wishes.
"They prefer to sell to small clubs that can afford a higher fee than selling them to traditional clubs that wouldn't pay the same amount of money," he said.
"That's the case for Teixeira, and it has also happened with me. I know myself how difficult it is to negotiate with Shakhtar Donetsk. I suffered for two years there willing to leave the club."
