Source: Team_Talk
Arteta keeps Spain dream alive
Uncapped Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta is still hoping he will get the opportunity to play for his native Spain.[LNB] San Sebastian-born Arteta has been the centre of speculation about the possibility of representing England at international level after qualifying to apply for United Kingdom citizenship on residency grounds.[LNB]Arteta had spoken positively about the idea, but that prospect now looks over due to a FIFA rule which states that any player who has represented their country in an official competition, at whatever level, would at that time need to have held a passport for the country they later wish to play for in order to be permitted to make the switch.[LNB]The 28-year-old played for Spain in the Under-16 European Championships and then in the FIFA World Championships at Under-17 level, as well as representing the Spanish Under-21 side.[LNB]Arteta's chances of playing for England may have all but disappeared, but the former Rangers and Real Sociedad playmaker has not given up his dream of playing at the top level for his birth nation Spain.[LNB]Speaking in an interview with Spain's Gol Television to be broadcast tomorrow afternoon, Arteta said: "For me it would be amazing news to be part of the Spanish national team...it would be enormously exciting.[LNB]"I've always loved it and even more so with the group of players that are in the national team right now, for me it would be a huge reward."[LNB]He added: "I always have the telephone open for (Spain coach) Vicente del Bosque."[LNB]
