Aimar Govea to represent Ecuador at 2023 Under-17 South American Championship
Swansea City Under-18s' midfielder Aimar Govea has been selected in the Ecuador Under-17s' squad for the upcoming South American Under-17 Championship.
The tournament is set to take place from March 30 to April 23 2023, with Ecuador hosting.
Sixteen-year-old Govea made his international debut for the south American side back in October against Argentina. He has since earned a call-up with Spain Under-17s for a training camp in December.
Ecuador have been drawn in Group A alongside Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and Columbia for he final.
Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina occupy Group B alongside Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia.
Govea - brother of former Swansea City Under-23s' defender Jordi - is looking forward to representing his country at a major tournament on home soil.
"It's a great opportunity to really express myself and come back to Swansea stronger. I looking forward to linking back up with the guys and hopefully we can really progress," said Govea.
"We've had good preparation in the build-up to the competition. We've had training camps and friendlies where we've beaten Peru and Argentina.
"We have a very good team, we're strong and we like to keep the ball. I think we have a really good chance of showing what we can do in the tournament.
"I have to thank Swansea. The club has helped me massively in my development, the staff and my team-mates are great to have around.
"I will be missing the remainder of the season for the under-18s, but this is a great opportunity to surprise myself, show what I can do. There will be a lot of people watching and supporting, I want to be at my best.
"My family have also helped me a lot through this process. Hopefully, they'll be able to come and watch me play at my first major international tournament.
"This tournament is also a stepping stone to qualify for the Under-17 World Cup later on this year, so that will be amazing if we could do it.
Ecuador fixtures
30 March 2023 - Ecuador v Brazil (2pm kick-off BST)
1 April 2023 - Columbia v Ecuador (2pm kick-off BST)
5 April 2023 - Uruguay v Ecuador (2pm kick-off BST)
7 April 2023 - Ecuador v Chile (2pm kick-off BST)