Pepe Reina has reflected on his image within the Spain camp, determining that his career has not been built on just ‘being a nice guy’.
The Liverpool shot-stopper has been a regular member of Vicente del Bosque’s squad in recent seasons, but is seen as below Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes in the pecking order.
“I always say that I consider myself privileged, regardless of how much I have played,” Reina reflected in an interview with El Confidencial released today.
“I have spent eight years with the national team and am very proud. When I lack that motivation to answer a call-up, that will be the time to raise my hand and say it is time to stop.
“I think that time will never come. It is never going to be something I will say. I love coming here, seeing my friends, spending a month with them and being prepared for when I am needed.”
Vicente del Bosque has hinted that Reina will feature for La Roja during the Confederations Cup.
“I am amply prepared, or rather, humbly prepared. It is not a question for me to answer, it is something to be seen in training.
“It makes sense to talk about Iker and Victor, but I do my job, do the right thing and provide the team what is needed.
“De Gea is on the up? Yes that is clear. The national team should face a generational change. When the Coach deems it appropriate, there will be changes, not only in goal. The future of Spain is guaranteed.”
Reina is seen as an active member of La Seleccion’s dressing room, providing for their good atmosphere.
“I am certain that I have contributed to the national team. I will not brag about playing so many minutes. But being called up to the team is a reward for a guy who has potential and fits into a group.
“The secret of this team is that there has been a very good atmosphere within the group and I think that, humbly, I have contributed enough.
“I do believe that I have been presented as a worse goalkeeper than as a person. It is true. People make mistakes sometimes.
“Anyway, I have spent eight years at Liverpool and that is not achieved for being a good person. The sporting merits are also there.
“Does it bother me? No. Spain is like it is and perhaps because I am away, at Liverpool, and competing with two monsters such as the goalkeepers at Real Madrid and Barcelona are, people look at Reina as the alternative.
“I have a very clear conscience. I am called up on sporting merit. I’ve always said that I prefer people to see me as a nice guy rather than as unfriendly. But I do not join up with the national team to tell jokes, as has been said.”
