Real Betis winger Joaquin Sanchez has revealed that he retains “some bitterness” about not being part of Spain’s Euro 2008 triumph.
The veteran scored four goals in 51 caps for La Roja between 2001 and 2007, played at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and Euro 2004 and contributed to their qualifying campaign for Switzerland in 2008, only to miss out for the finals as the team were crowned champions.
“I played in the national team for about seven years and played at two World Cups and a European Championship, but there’s a bitterness about not being there for the good times,” he told Gestiona Radio.
“Still, I do feel part of the national team’s trophy successes and I can’t ask for any more from football because it’s given me a lot.
“I was in the Euro 2008 qualifying squads for two years and played almost every game, but ultimately I didn’t go to the championship.
“I think I deserved to go and it especially hurts me. They were difficult years [for me to witness] and very beautiful moments [experienced by the team].
“I have some bitterness, but it wasn’t up to me. In the end, I played where I wanted to play.”
