Everton FC

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Future Spain role suits Arteta

18 Oct 2008 - 11:31:48

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Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has dismissed talk of him pledging his international future to England, saying that he still hopes to earn a call-up for his native Spain.

The 26-year-old will qualify for England in just over a year's time, but Arteta insists that he wants to try and force his way into the Spain squad and has no plans to change allegiances.

He told Marca: "At the moment the idea of playing for England hasn't even crossed my mind. I have the desire to play with Spain senior side.

"The truth is that it is an idea that has come about through the fans here. In England legislation states that if you play five years in the country you can play for the England team.

"I've been here for four and so there's this possibility. It's an idea similar to that which was talked about with Arsenal's Manuel Almunia.

"I have played with all the categories of Spain and the hope to play with the full side is there.

"I know that it is very difficult because there are players with a lot of quality, but I will fight to achieve it."