"I see myself as an important player on the pitch and in the tactical scheme of the National team, " said Silva.

CNN: Silva lining won't be enough for Brazil star

He's successfully pushed for MLS to lengthen its season, played a larger role in player development with the youth national teams and began a generational change on the national team defense by starting Omar Gonzalez, Geoff Cameron, Timmy Chandler and Matt Besler in recent qualifiers.

NPR: Klinsmann Open To Staying With US After World Cup

Former United States national team player Robbie Rogers recently announced he was gay on the same day he retired from the sport, while Sweden-based Anton Hysen is currently the only openly "out" player in Europe.

CNN: SHARE THIS

They are usually erected not by criminals but by desperate locals appealing through the news cameras for road repairs, a water supply, or, on one occasion, the inclusion of a well-liked player in the national soccer team.

ECONOMIST: Welcome to paradise, Jamaica-style

G-14's main goals were to force international federations to take care of player insurance when they are on international duty, provide compensation to clubs and ease the national team calendar to leave more space for clubs to organise profitable matches.

BBC: Barcelona president Joan Laporta is confident of a new era