Football
ESPN staff 7y

Hector Bellerin keen to play for Spain U21s despite Arsene Wenger concerns

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has told IB Times he hopes to represent Spain at the European Under-21 Championship this summer despite Arsene Wenger's reservations.

Wenger has left Bellerin out of the side for Arsenal's last two matches after acknowledging that the defender has struggled for form since returning from the ankle injury he sustained in January.

The Arsenal boss also said that, while he accepted Bellerin was likely to represent Spain this summer, the situation was "not ideal" and he would be better served resting ahead of the new season.

Asked if he was prepared to do so, Bellerin said: "No. I really want to play in European Under-21. Representing Spain is very important. If [Spain U21 boss Albert] Celades gives me the chance, I'll be there.

"Those are opinions of the managers. I have to keep working. The truth is that I had a difficult injury but I think that I am at 100 percent now and I'll try to prove it when I get the chance."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has impressed at right wing-back in Arsenal's new 3-4-3 formation, with Wenger describing him as a "revelation" in the role after his man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 FA Cup semifinal success over Manchester City at the weekend.

Bellerin said: "With the change of the formation, there are other players who also have the opportunity to do well. Oxlade has proven it [against City] and he has done it very well. Now I am waiting for my chance.

"When there is a change of formation it's normal for some players to be sacrificed. Not only me. There were more. But I am ready to play in every formation and wherever. I will be ready for when the boss decides to give me the opportunity."

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