Sporting Gijon vs Real Sociedad preview - Botia revels in Spain call - 7M sport

Sporting Gijon vs Real Sociedad preview - Botia revels in Spain call



I have a say

Posted Saturday, August 27, 2011 by PA

Sporting Gijon and Real Sociedad were both happy just to consolidate their place in the Primera Division at the end of last season and both begin the new campaign with an air of optimism.

Sporting defender Alberto Botia has become the first player in 15 years from the Asturian club to be called up to the Spain squad and he believes his performances in the victorious Spain Under-21 side at this year's European Championship were a contributory factor.

He said: "That victory gave a bit more popularity and recognition to a number of players in the squad. I'm very happy because I think it is a dream for any footballer to play for their national team.

"It is the first step but I have a long way to go and if I keep working and playing well then when the opportunity arises to play I have to take advantage of it."

Lora and Ivan Hernandez returned to training on Thursday and will be fit to play for Sporting but Nacho Cases is injured.

Sociedad also received good news ahead of the game with Antoine Griezmann indicating his intention to remain with the club.

The Frenchman had been linked with a number of clubs after quotes were attributed to him as saying he wanted to leave, but Griezmann says that is not the case.

"When I return to playing the people will see that on the pitch I will give everything," he said. "I have never said that I wanted to leave.

"All I said was that I wanted to play with star players because I would learn quickly playing with them but I am here now and I want to enjoy it.

"I have the ambition to play for a big club, to play in the Champions League and in a World Cup but I have plenty of time to do that and right now I just want to concentrate on having a good season for the club and the fans."



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