During the past few years, Athletic Bilbao star striker Aritz Aduriz has improved exponentially as he's been getting older. Up until now during this season, he has passed the 30-goal line in all competitions and has helped his team still be alive in the Europa League and also managed to win the Spanish Supercup from the all powerful Barcelona. Now that he has been called-up by Vicente del Bosque, he feels grateful for the support and sent a message that age is only a number, he feels younger then ever and it shows in his current season.
“I’ve felt very welcome and wanted here, and I’m very grateful to be here. I’ve always tried to play the best I can for my club and I know it was going to be difficult for me to get the call. I always feel overwhelmed in these situations but that’s part of football. The press is the link between players and fans and so it’s normal that people were interested in my situation.
"It’s not very usual for someone to get a call-up at my age, that’s why I feel so privileged and happy to be here. Age is just a number. What it is important is desire, and I have that. I’ll try to give everything I can and do the same thing I do at Athletic. Whether or not I go to the Euros depends on the manager. Spain has incredible players, they are at an amazing level. It must be amazing to play alongside them.”
Spain is set to play two friendly matches in preparation for the upcoming European Championship in France, the first game will be played against Italy on Thursday March 24 and the second one will be played against Romania on Sunday March 27. Take a look at Spain's full call-up list.
Photo credit: Seleccion Española de futbol
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