Arsenal's Manuel Almunia would be proud to become England's No1 goalkeeper

11 August 2009 09:58
With David James and Ben Foster both injured, Robert Green is likely to start against Holland tomorrow, but goalkeeper remains a position that concerns Capello and his coaching staff ahead of the World Cup next year. Almunia, who has an English wife, has now been living in England for more than five years and has never played for Spain. He believes that he could gain British citizenship very quickly and is considering the option. Related Articles * Almunia: Wenger is suffering * Wilshere set for U21 debut * Sport on television * Six future Arsenal stars * Barca won't break bank for Cesc * Walcott: Arsenal need to get dirty "I've been informed what I need to do," he said. "If I take the decision I don't think it's difficult to get citizenship. It could be very quick – and soon. "I have to see what people think because it's not an easy decision. I'm 32 so I don't want any problems with anyone. This is not a silly thing. You are playing with the hearts of people. It [an England cap] is not something you can buy in a shop. I don't want to disturb anybody. "I know what Tottenham fans will say. I can guess their opinion of me playing for England. But it's not just playing for England. If I take the citizenship I will be very proud. My family agree I should do it. In Spain it's different because we had some Brazilian players. Look at [Marcos] Senna. He is now Spanish. Donato, a great player, was a Brazilian playing for Spain. I hope people will understand if I do it." Amunia says that he also has the support ofr Arsenal team-mate Theo Walcott. "Theo is very nice," he told the Guardian. "He sometimes asks me if I will take the citizenship and I say, 'Yes, if you want?' Then he says, yes, he would like me to. The England players are very important. I would like to know what they think and if I will be welcome." And if he were to receive that encouragement? "Yes. I would have good reason to step forward then."

Source: Telegraph