Gabriel Paulista interested in Spain call up

Valencia defender Gabriel Paulista has revealed he would be interested in a call up to the Spain national team.

The former Arsenal centre back is a household name in La Liga, following spells with Villarreal, and now Los Che, however he has never been called up by his native Brazil for international duty.

Paulista told an interview with Brazilian TV channel Esporte Interativo, via Marca, that whilst he preference for international football would still be with Brazil, but that he would be open to playing for Spain if the option were available.

"If I do not get the opportunity to play for Brazil, I would open the door to playing for Spain.

"If Spain were to offer that opportunity, I would respectfully accept it.

"If I accepted a call up for Spain, I would still be Brazilian.

"But I am confident that people would understand the reason for my decision to play for Spain.

"If that possible call comes before the European Championships, I will take it."

Spain manager Roberto Moreno has experimented between central defenders following the international retirement of Gerard Pique, with Inigo Martinez, Mario Hermoso and Nacho Fernandez all partnering Sergio Ramos.

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