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Almunia backed for England

01 May 2009 - 16:13:42

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sees no reason why in-form goalkeeper Manuel Almunia shouldn't play for England.

The 31-year-old Spaniard is eligible to apply for British citizenship this summer as he has spent the last five years with the Gunners.

Almunia has said in the past he would like to represent England and Wenger has now backed the shot-stopper's claims.

"If it is possible legally, why not? I believe he is not only good enough, but he is the best," said Wenger.

"There are international rules which have to be respected and then it is more a choice left to the English Football Association or to Manuel Almunia's desire.

"It is down to what you expect morally and mentally from a national team. I believe at some stage you have to observe just the rules and decide what you want.

"On the English side, for the national team, it is not so much a problem because if the guy decides to become English, he has had to observe and respect the rules like anybody else.

"Why should he then not be qualified to play for the national team?

"It is more a moral problem maybe for Manuel Almunia, because does he consider he has a chance to play in the Spanish national team or not?"