Football
Adriana Garcia 7y

Pedro Rodriguez always had 'hope' of winning a recall for Spain

Chelsea forward Pedro Rodriguez says he "never lost hope" that one day Spain coach Julen Lopetegui would call him back to the national team.

Lopetegui, who succeeded Vicente del Bosque in July 2016 following the latter's decision to leave the post after eight years in charge, had not included Pedro in any of his squads until now.

A World Cup and European Championship winner with Spain, Pedro's last appearance for his country had been at Euro 2016.

"I never lost hope," Pedro told a news conference. "It's true that last year things didn't go that well for my team but this year things are going better.

"I had some hope that I would return and I'm very enthusiastic and eager. It's a new challenge for me. I know it's very complicated to be here, that there are many players to choose from."

Spain host Israel in a World Cup qualifier on Friday in Gijon before facing France on March 28 in a friendly in Paris.

"I hope I can take advantage of this opportunity," Pedro, who has scored 17 goals in 60 appearances for Spain, said. "I want to be part of the group, take advantage of the opportunities I'm given and do what the coach says. My aim is to compete at the highest level and I hope he [Lopetegui] trusts me."

Pedro returns to the Spain fold for the first time since making the controversial comments that "it was not worth" turning up to the national team if he was not going to play.

"It's all in the past and we all learn from things that happen," the 29-year-old said. "I never had a problem and I was misinterpreted. I'm very happy to defend once again this jersey. There is another coach and I'm going through a good spell in my club."

Pedro has scored seven goals and set up seven more in 25 appearances for Premier League leaders Chelsea this season, finding the back of the net in three of his last five league games.

Another player who is hoping to make an impact with Spain is Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi.

A vital member of Lopetegui's side that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2013, Illarramendi has earned his first call-up to the senior team after making 25 starts for his La Liga side this season.

"It's a beautiful opportunity that Julen has given me," Illarramendi said. "I'm having a good season at La Real and this is my reward. I've come here to add to the group. I hope to make my debut and play in both games."

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina, meanwhile, missed Spain's training session on Tuesday with a physical problem and will undergo tests on the injury later in the day.

Spain are unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign and are level on 10 points with Italy but top Group G on goal difference.

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