Thiago Alcantara has dismissed talk of his future, insisting that focus can only be on the present, which is Spain’s Under-21 campaign.
La Rojita are preparing for the defence of their title won in 2011 with Thursday’s opening game against Russia.
Ahead of the kick-off in Jerusalem, Israel this evening, the Barcelona midfielder reflected on the attitude he and his teammates carry into the competition.
“We are very professional. I think that, after everything, we are professionals,” reiterated Thiago to reporters this week.
“We are with our clubs. We have ambition. We have nothing but that. It’s a great tournament, well organised.”
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away this summer, with even Real Madrid speculated.
“We are in a major competition and we have a lot of respect for that. I will not speak of my future, but this competition. About us.
“We are the future. We have our football, which we are enjoying. We should think only of that. I want to be able to reach my best. We must focus on the present.
“I think I am very motivated, alongside my colleagues, to show that we have worked hard.
“For us, for the young players, it is a prize to be in the Under-21 team. We are focused on the Under-21s.”
