Juanfran heralds new La Roja era

Spain right-back Juanfran believes Thursday’s friendly with France will be the beginning of a new era for La Roja.

The Atletico Madrid man told El Pais he is looking forward to the game at the Stade de France, although he admits an error against the French at the Vicente Calderon in the qualifying stages for the last World Cup brings back unhappy memories.

“That was a pretty bad moment for me and even now there are people that still remind me of it, but this is a new era for all of us…for the Coach, for the veterans who have lived through the good times and the bad, and also for the youngsters and those who haven’t won anything,” declared Juanfran.

The disappointment of last summer’s World Cup is still fresh in the mind, yet the competition was an experience the 29-year-old would like to repeat.

“It was always a childhood dream to play in a World Cup and I want to do it again. Many terrible things were said about us afterwards, but that will only serve to make us better.

“Del Bosque is the best Coach we could have had and that says everything. Many fans ignore how difficult it is to compete at the highest level. They don’t really know how tough it is, not having been that lucky themselves.”

Juanfran was tried as right-winger for the national team at times last season but says he prefers it when he is in his normal role at right-back.

“I like it at full-back because I attack and defend. I do more things, although Del Bosque is fair and will only bring in someone if they are better, but I think I’ve been doing alright with Atletico,” he insisted.

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