HE WAS born in Buenos Aires and still harbours ambitions to represent his Argentine homeland between the sticks one day.
But, failing that, there could be a chance that Crystal Palace fans' favourite Julian Speroni still ends up at the World Cup - but donning the Three Lions of ENGLAND.
Speroni, 34, could play for England under Fifa residency rules, having lived in this country for nearly a decade since making his Eagles debut in 2004.
The same rules have, in the past, seen the likes of Manuel Almunia and Carlo Cudicini linked with possible England call-ups, while Man Utd wonderkid Adnan Januzaj - born in Belgium but of Kosovan descent - is also reportedly being targeted by the FA for a call-up.
Other sports, most notably rugby and cricket, have used residency rules to boost the England national team, with the likes of South African-born cricketer Kevin Pietersen and Samoan rugby star Manu Tuilagi donning England shirts in recent times.
Speroni, not yet capped by Argentina at senior level, was once again snubbed by boss Alejandro Sabella for the upcoming friendly against Romania, despite speculation he could be set for a call-up.
The Palace keeper today told the Advertiser: "I am really disappointed - I thought I was going to be in the squad."
The English goalkeeping cupboard is pretty bare. Apart from first choice Joe Hart and number two Ben Foster, the other spot in the squad for Brazil would seem to be a battle between unproven keepers like Norwich's John Ruddy and Celtic's Fraser Forster.
Speroni for England?
Stranger things have happened...
