Juanfran has insisted that the Spain squad for this World Cup was as motivated as the group that won Euro 2012.
The Atletico Madrid defender was a non-playing member of the party that travelled to Ukraine and Poland and said last night at a Press conference that contrary to the comments of Xabi Alonso, in his opinion the players wanted it just as much.
“I’ve seen the same desire and the same enthusiasm as in the last European Championships,” Marca reports Juanfran as saying.
“It’s an issue that has been talked about a lot these days. Xabi rectified it. We all had a dream before we came here for us and for all Spaniards.
“It wasn’t to be because there have been two opponents better than us. They were more effective and have been the best. There are no other reasons and it’s a shame because we wanted to be in the final.”
Juanfran has yet to get on the pitch this tournament but could play against Australia in the final round of Group B games.
“I don’t know if I’ll play but I’m eager and ready,” he continued.
“The greatest motivation is to represent your country and it’s enormous, whether in a friendly or a final, for me to be in the national team.
“The motivation is the biggest in the world and if I play it will be important to me.”
