Atletico Madrid and Spain right-back Juanfran says he would take a penalty in a Euro 2016 Final shootout despite missing in the Champions League.
Juanfran hit the post as Atletico lost to Real Madrid from 12 yards but told AS he would step up again if it came to it for the national team.
“I’d have no problem. If I had to take it and the Coach was telling me I had to take it, I’d take it with the maximum conviction and the thought that I have to score,” he insisted, before revealing his mental state after the defeat in Milan.
“When things don’t go well for you or you make some mistakes it’s normal that you’re in a bad way, but that sadness can’t be long-lasting, as short as possible and in this case it was. I’ve had bad days but it has made me stronger at all levels.
“My feeling towards Atletico was already as strong as possible. I’m very grateful to the football world for the support they gave me and especially the Atletico fans who have suffered with me and given me their full support.”
Juanfran added that he and Sergio Ramos have not had any issues while with the national team, despite the fierce battles they carried out for their respective clubs.
“It’s normal we had our little rift because everyone defends their own, but Sergio is a smart player and so am I and we know the national team is the most important and we have always had a good relationship,” he stressed.
“Our relationship is great. He’s one of our captains and I have a huge respect for him. The first day we went to eat he asked me ‘is everything settled?’ and I told him there was no problem. That shows our commitment to the national team.”
