Juan Bernat says his call-up to Vicente del Bosque’s squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg was a surprise.
The Bayern Munich left-back, signed from Valencia last July, admits he did not expect to figure in the Spanish national team so early in his career.
“I found out the news after training and was shocked to see my name on the list, so I have to thank the Coach for selecting me.
“It’s a privilege to be here alongside this group of players and I hope to enjoy it very much,” he told a Press conference at Madrid’s La Ciudad de Futbol.
Bernat, 21, says it was easier to integrate into the squad as there were players there he already knew.
“I got a great welcome. There are people I know such as Jordi Alba, who is a friend from when we played together at Valencia, whilst I also know Paco [Alcacer] from the youth teams there, which made everything easier.
“It’s a dream to be with players who are World and European champions and I hope to learn a lot from them.”
Despite playing most of his career as a winger, Bernat says he now considers himself to be a full-back.
“Right now I’m playing more as a full-back although I can play on the wing, as I’ve done all my life, but I consider myself a full-back and am ready to play wherever they put me,” said Bernat, who believes it will not be a problem to adapt to Spain’s style after playing under former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola with his club.
“Guardiola’s football philosophy is very similar to that employed by the national team, while it’s also true that playing for my country at all the different age levels has helped me,” he added.