Torres glad to be called by Del Bosque

Image
IANS Madrid
Last Updated : May 27 2014 | 9:33 PM IST

Spain international striker Fernando Torres said Tuesday that he was delighted to be called up by Vicente Del Bosque to take part in preparations ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Although Torres' position in the final squad of 23 will not be assured until after Spain play Bolivia Friday night, Torres looks almost certain to go, especially as his main rivals, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo have not been included, reports Xinhua.

It is another chance for Torres, who had not been included in any of Del Bosque's squads for the past year and who looked as if he would miss out after another disappointing campaign with Chelsea.

However, while others doubted, Torres said he had always remained confident.

"I never thought I had played my last game for Spain. I love coming and part of the best things that have happened to be in football have happened here," said Torres, who said he was in excellent physical condition.

One player who is not in excellent condition and whose place is very much in the balance is Diego Costa who will have to rest for the next fortnight as the result of a hamstring injury.

Torres backed the decision taken by the Spanish Football Federation to treat Costa's injury in the hope the forward makes a miracle recovery, but he is also aware that Del Bosque has said that he will only take players who are in peak condition.

"A muscle injury takes weeks to cure if you carry out a good recovery plan, but if the coach has called him up, it is because he is going to be in top form. He is not going to take risks. They will wait for him. We have good doctors with the squad and if he is able to come we will be delighted. If not then someone else will come," said Torres.

One player who suddenly has a chance of going to Brazil is Barca forward, Gerard Deulofeu, who was called up by Del Bosque Sunday, despite not being included in his 30-man preliminary squad.

A muscle problem suffered by Jesus Navas has opened the door for the player who spent last season on loan at Everton.

"I was on holiday when I got a call saying I had a chance, so I started to train in the hope of getting a call up. I was not thinking about Brazil, but in enjoying this week. I am going to learn and then whatever happens will happen," he said.

"This has been a great week. I am going to be with Barca next season and to come home and to be called up by Spain is something I aim to take advantage of," he said.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 27 2014 | 9:00 PM IST

Next Story