Del Bosque on Qatar, Puyol & doping

Spain national team boss Vicente Del Bosque has defended the decision to play their friendly match against Uruguay in Qatar.

La Roja face the South American champions in Doha tomorrow evening, and the 62-year-old has conceded that the game is 'full justified', whilst also commenting on Carles Puyol's century of caps and the alleged doping in football.

“The policy of the Football Association [RFEF] is playing all over the world and promoting football,” he told a Press conference.

“Especially in countries that have a lesser tradition with the game.

“We are fully justified being here because they will host the 2022 World Cup. I came here 20 years ago for the Youth World Cup and I've seen myself how the country has changed.

“Qatar is really emerging as a world power now.

“I am delighted for Puyol that he will reach his 100th game for Spain. He is a player who has set an example for everyone, both on and off the pitch.

“I have nothing to add on doping,” he added. “I have never seen a player do it, and I don't think I will in the future.

“Maybe I'm naïve, but my eyes have not seen anything. This is a topic I'd prefer to ignore.”

The former Real Madrid boss then remarked on their opponents tomorrow and the Barcelona influence in the squad.

“It is a friendly that I like. They reached the semi-finals of the last World Cup, so it's going to be a good opportunity to test ourselves against a great team.

“I am a Real Madrid fan, I've never hidden that. “But Barcelona have a lot of representation in this team because of what they are doing at club level.”

Tags Del Bosque Spain Uruguay
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