Source: Liverpool_Echo
Mikel Arteta will never give up on international call-up for Spain
Mikel Arteta 300[LNB]THE size of the challenge facing Mikel Arteta has never looked tougher but the Everton midfielder isn't about to give up on his Spanish dream.[LNB]The 28-year-old from San Sebastian has been overlooked by national team bosses since he arrived at Goodison five years ago.[LNB]Arteta made a dozen appearances for Spain's under-21s but has never achieved international recognition at senior level.[LNB]The former Barcelona trainee was on the brink of a first call-up in February 2009 but a cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered at Newcastle meant his name was removed from the list before the squad was announced.[LNB] Despite playing a starring role in Everton's strong finish to last season, Arteta could only sit and watch as Spain followed up winning Euro 2008 by lifting the World Cup for the first time in South Africa this summer.[LNB]With the likes of Barcelona trio Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets as well as close friend Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas ahead of him in the pecking order, he faces an uphill task to force his way into Vicente del Bosque's plans for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers.[LNB]Having lived in England for more than five years, Arteta also qualifies to play for England through residency rules.[LNB]Steven Gerrard recently said he would love to line up alongside him for Fabio Capello's men.[LNB]However, Arteta insists he will never stop striving to achieve his goal of a first cap for his homeland.
