Spain boss hands Blues pair boost for Euros
FERRAN Torres and Eric Garcia are in pole position to make the European Championships with Spain after being handed their first call-ups to the senior squad.
Luis Enrique has made a number of changes for September’s games with Germany and Ukraine, with young, fresh faces replacing more senior stars.
If that could be seen as a changing of the guard - questions have been asked of both La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid after their disappointing Champions League campaigns Enrique insists the players were picked for the present rather than the future and that this would be his squad for the Euros if he had to pick it tomorrow.
While there is still a year for change, the opportunity has been given to City duo Garcia and Torres as they look to build on their respective years.
Torres has just arrived at the Blues for an initial fee of 23m euro from Valencia, while Barcelona will be expected to pay a similar amount if they are to sign contract rebel Garcia from the Etihad this summer.
Torres responded to the news, saying: “Pure joy! Super happy about my first senior team callup, and to have the opportunity to represent my country in the next two games.”
Meanwhile, Enrique talked up Garcia’s qualities as he was asked to explain the defender’s selection.
“He has been in the lower teams of the national team and has always done very well on the field, leading inside and outside,” he said.
“He is a very prepared, intelligent, tactical, mature player with a good ball output. I hope he has opportunities to continue growing.
“We summon him for his level, not because there are casualties or other reasons. Hopefully he will be central to the national team for a long time. “