Celta Vigo and Spain forward Nolito defended Gerard Pique against jeers from supporters and touched on reported interest from Barcelona.
Nolito appeared before the Press on Wednesday ostensibly to discuss La Roja’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Luxembourg but amid more newspaper gossip connecting him to Barca, the topic was raised.
“I saw the cover at breakfast. I’m trying to stay focused on my team,” he replied, AS reports.
“I’m very happy to be back in the national team. I have to take advantage of the training sessions and if I get minutes [in the match].
“I feel good, I want to help the team as much as possible. The Coach is the one in charge. I’ll try to play as I do for my team and adapt to the style of the national team.
“I don’t know if I’m in my best form. I’m very happy and things are going well, but there’s better still to come. Any player would [like to be part of the Euro 2016 squad]. It’s free to dream but hard to achieve.
“I’ll try to be calm, keep playing and stay disconnected from all the rumours. You get the news but I try to be the same as always.
“It’ll be very satisfying when I hear the national anthem. Since I was small I’ve dreamed of playing for the national team. It’s a great joy and immense happiness.”
Nolito was asked about two international colleagues, Barca’s Gerard Pique, who was jeered in Spain’s last home game, with a positive hashtag set up to support the centre-back, and David Silva.
“Silva is more of a playmaker, and I play from the side. He’s one of the team’s best players and I’ll try to learn from him,” he continued.
“If any player is whistled, we’re all whistled. I wish we could tell the public not to whistle him but they’re free to do what they want.”
