Brazilian-born striker Ailton has revealed that he would be keen to play for Germany in the next World Cup, given the opportunity.

Ailton, now with Schalke 04, enjoyed a prolific season with Werder Bremen last year, helping the club to the Bundesliga title.

The 30-year-old, who has never been capped by Brazil, is desperate to play international football, and earlier this year, he even applied to become a naturalised Qatarian in order to fulfil his dream.

However, despite Germany’s dearth of attacking options, not everyone is ken to welcome Ailton into the fold.

“I don’t like the idea,’ said German keeper Oliver Kahn.

“If you want to play for a national team, you have to have a special relationship to that country. He should have been born here, or at least have lived here for years otherwise he can’t identify himself with Germany.”