Bartra tells of La Roja ‘sacrifices’

Real Betis defender Marc Bartra has told of his disappointment at being overlooked for the Spain squad for this summer’s World Cup.

The former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund centre-back has had a stand-out year with Betis and, in a candid interview with BeIN Sports, told of what it would have meant to him to be part of Julen Lopetegui’s set-up.

“I sacrificed a lot with this objective in mind, to be able to go to the World Cup, and it’s true I took decisions about it, even though it wasn’t to be,” confessed the 27-year-old, who has 13 caps for his country.

“What it has done is made me into a better player than I was a year or two ago, although when you don’t reach your goals and the success you want then you have to move on.

“There are some great players in the Spain team, spectacular, who have made it a great year. They are the elite and I wish the national team all the best.”

Bartra also disclosed that hours before the 23-man squad was announced he had a conversation with Coach Lopetegui.

“We’ve shared a lot since the Under-19’s and hours before we did speak. The squad is at a very high level and in the end you don’t go into details, so it’s something that must be respected.

“Hopefully, because of the players we have and how they play we can win the trophy. I’m also very grateful for the messages of encouragement I have received from the fans,” he added.

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