Athletic Bilbao midfielder Markel Susaeta has moved to clear up any confusion caused by his words at a Monday Press conference.
Susaeta was a surprise name in Vicente del Bosque’s squad for the midweek friendly with Panama, and despite maintaining it was ‘an honour’ to be called up he commented that playing with La Roja was ‘one thing’.
His words caused consternation in some quarters as they could have been misconstrued as referring to his Basque origins, but the 24-year-old has attempted to put the matter straight by insisting he was talking of Spain’s style of play.
“In order to avoid any misinterpretation I want to clarify what I said when answering a journalist’s question on Monday,” he said in a statement on the Spanish Football Federation’s official website.
“We know that we represent one thing, I said, and at no time was it my intention to disrespect anyone. What I really wanted to express was our style of play, the style of play that in recent years has characterised the team and has been praised worldwide.
“For me, as for any other professional, to play for the national side is the ultimate and recognition for the work you do with your club every day.
“Again, it was never my intention to offend anyone,” he added.
