Juan Mata has admitted that one of Spain’s secrets for success has been that the squad are ‘like family’.
La Roja have won three consecutive major tournaments, and go to Brazil next summer looking for a fourth.
First though, they travel to Equatorial Guinea and South Africa for friendly matches.
“It’s very special to be in the Spain squad,” he told reporters. “I feel very fortunate to be in this team because we all know each other very well.
“We know how each other plays because we’re friends off the field.
“I think that’s very important, because if you’re a team you want to be like a family. And we are.
“That’s probably one of our secrets.”
The playmaker then commented on his experiences at Chelsea, and the importance of experiencing other football cultures.
“It’s wonderful playing in the Premier League. It’s been different from the very first day.
“I think it’s important as a player to grow and try different types of football.”
