Cesar Azpilicueta has reflected on his first call-up to the Spain squad and on his reunion with fellow full-back Nacho Monreal.
In reflecting on this chance, the defender considered why he has found himself with this chance.
“I have the continuity that every player wants and I keep growing as a player,” commented the former Osasuna man to reporters this week.
“At Chelsea we want a team that is organised, but that everyone participates and contributes to the team in attack, and it is a situation that I feel comfortable in.
“The call-up? I had not talked to anyone from the Federation. It was a great joy to see my name among those players who are so great.
“Every player wants to be here, it is a dream for any of us and the truth is that we are joyous for the occasion.
“I was at home when I knew I was called up. Mata and Torres have experience in the group and wished me luck and congratulated me.”
Azpilicueta is included in the squad alongside former Osasuna teammate Nacho Monreal.
“I will reunite with Monreal. I had spoken to him since his move to Arsenal and we are now both together in the national team.
“I am very happy for both of us. It is hard to think that we were both at Osasuna, and that this day with La Seleccion could come.
“I am proud we come from the Osasuna cantera, along with others like Javi Martinez, who have achieved something important.
“The arrival of Camacho was welcome, whilst before him we had Ziganda. Both were a great experience and we learned a lot, and from Camacho, who played in our position. We learned a lot about football and matured quickly in the field, to not make mistakes.”
The former Marseille man then concluded with a thought on his experience so far in England.
“I am living in a different country with a different philosophy. I am learning about the sporting themes, with a different concept of football, the stadiums, the clubs have good structure, there are no economic problems…
“It gives a stability to players that provides a lot of comfort. It is positive that more Spanish players are going to the Premier League.”
