Arsenal FC

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Almunia eyes England spot

05 Sep 2006 - 15:21:43

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Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has hinted that he could play for England in the future but knows he will first have to win a regular place in Arsenal's first team.

The 29-year-old has made only ten Premiership starts for the Gunners since joining Arsene Wenger's side two years ago and has found it difficult to force Jens Lehmann out of the first-team reckoning.

The Pamplona-born keeper qualifies for British residency in another two years and, according to FIFA policy, any player over the age of 21 who has not represented the country of their birth are allowed to switch international associations.

The former Celta Vigo shot-stopper told Arsenal's official website: "I am 100 per cent sure if I win my place with Arsenal and play for the first team, then I will play for Spain one day.

"But, if not, in two years I can be English, take the nationality and then I can play for England. If someone wants me, I do not care about the nationality.

"I am not as Spanish as many people, or very English - I do not care. I just want to play football at the top level.

"If I cannot play for Spain, I can find the way to play for any other country."