Pepe Reina has said he enjoyed winning the World Cup with Spain so much that he can’t wait to do it again.
The goalkeeper spoke at a Press conference prior to tonight’s friendly with Bolivia and suggested the happy memories of South Africa 2010 would be motivation for Brazil 2014.
“I live the World Cup with the same enthusiasm as the last one,” Reina said, according to Marca.
“We’ve tasted success and liked it so much that we want to repeat.
“That’s the idea that we have to think about for the World Cup. It’s what excites us.”
Reina is one of two goalkeepers in the frame to play against Bolivia, with Iker Casillas left out after his exertions in the Champions League final less than a week ago.
David De Gea is the other custodian in Vicente Del Bosque’s squad and Reina spoke highly of his young colleague.
“With his youth and quality he’s great for the future,” Reina added.
“He’s a great kid. He’s come to the national team to learn but he also shows that he has been taught things at Manchester United.”
While De Gea is settled at Old Trafford, Reina’s future is far more up in the air. He left North West England a year ago, moving to Napoli on loan from Liverpool, and it’s not yet known where he will be playing next season.
But Reina insists his focus is on the task at hand, having become used to the gossip that goes on every pre-season.
“Every summer it’s always the same talk, but I’m focused on Spain,” he said.
“I have enough to think about with La Roja and the World Cup. My agent can deal with this and I can focus now on the national team.”
Reina is not the only Spain player to be the subject of transfer gossip lately as David Villa has been linked with a departure from Atletico Madrid and a switch to MLS.
“I get along very well with [Villa] and he has shown that he can be in the Spain team, like a lot of players,” Reina said of the striker.
“I wish him well but I don’t know what will become of his future. This Saturday the final list is revealed. We’ll see if he can be at the World Cup. I wish him well.”
Reina was also fulsome in his praise for Sergio Ramos, pointing to the Real Madrid man as one of Spain’s most vital players.
“He’s a leader, and a player with charisma and character,” Reina said.
“He has the soul and character of a leader. He’s a very important player for the team and a reference point for everyone.”
