Michu not upset over late Spain call

Posted Thursday, October 10, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Swansea forward Michu insists he does not feel hard done by not to have earned a call up from Spain before.

Michu had been tipped to win a place in previous Spain squads as he made a huge impression during his first season in the Barclays Premier League last term, which saw him finish with 22 goals in all competitions for the Swans.

However, the 27-year-old had to wait until last weekend to earn his maiden call from his country after he was summoned by Vicente del Bosque to replace the injured David Villa in the 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Belarus and Georgia.

Far from worrying about whether he deserved to be called up before now though, Michu is thrilled to have finally been given his chance and is eager to make the most of the opportunity.

"I don't feel that it's been unfair for me not to have been with La Roja before. It's very difficult to get here. There are a lot of top-quality players in Spain who aren't here," said Michu at a press conference on Wednesday.

"I don't know him that well, but the coach seems to me a fair person."

The former Rayo Vallecano forward added: "For any player, being in the national team is the best.

"To wear the shirt of the Spain team is to wear the shirt of the best team in the world. It's a dream, every kid dreams of this and I feel privileged. It's my biggest achievement."

Michu, who has not played for his country at any level before, does admit there were nerves as he linked up with the reigning world and European champions but has relished the chance to train alongside the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Ramos.

"You're always nervous, but when you go out on to the pitch and you start to play with players of such a level, it makes everything easier," he said.

"I've come here to take advantage of the opportunity, to learn, to enjoy the moment and to help my team-mates seal qualification for the World Cup."

Michu is not the only newcomer hoping to make his full Spain debut against Belarus in Mallorca on Friday or in next Tuesday's clash with Georgia in Albacete.

Uncapped 21-year-old left Alberto Moreno has also been called up for the matches after making a solid start to the Primera Division season with Sevilla.

Moreno has not long been playing top-flight football but the ambitious youngster already has his sights set on trying to claim a World Cup spot with Spain, should they reach Brazil.

"I'm going to work hard to be there, being called up this time says things are going well. I'm going to work hard with my club to be there and if Vicente calls me, then great," said Moreno.

"Eight months ago I was playing in Segunda B, for me to be here with the world champions is incredible. This is the biggest thing that can happen to a player, I'm proud and I'm going to give my all."

Spain head into Friday's match level on 14 points with France at the top of Group I and five points clear of third-placed Finland. Del Bosque's side have also played a game less than the other four teams in the group.