It has been confirmed that Daniel Bilos, star winger for Argentine league team Boca Juniors, will not play for Croatia in the 2006 Germany World Cup, his agent told local radio on Friday.

25-year-old Bilos, who qualifies for the Croatia team thanks to his grandmother's Croatian nationality, was debating the offer from Croatia head coach Zlatko Kranjcar, but has now decided to try and break into the Argentina full-squad.

Bilos's agent Hugo Issa said: “Daniel was very excited by the offer, and last night he thanked Croatia but said his dream was to defend the honour of his nation.”

Bilos’ only appearance for Jose Pekerman’s Albiceleste was just a few minutes in their friendly with Qatar in Doha on November 1 - which Argentina won 3-0 - but since then he has failed to return to full-fitness since being sidelined with pneumonia.

“Daniel understands that the game he played against Qatar excludes him from any other commitments,” said Issa.

“Before telling the world, he spoke about the matter and analyzed it with his family and his decision is very firm - he will not go to the World Cup with Croatia.”

Bilos's debut with Boca last year was impressive, but he has not been able to recapture his form since his illness.

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