When Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque picked his Spain squad on Friday for Euro 2016 qualifiers against Slovakia and Luxembourg, and he didn’t shy away from including uncapped players, notably Valencia striker Rodrigo, who had yet to receive a call-up to play for his senior national team.
The 23-year-old, who has scored one goal in his four league appearances with the Oranges, was ecstatic to hear the news.
“I was taking a shower and Paco Alcacer told me. I didn’t know that the list was being announced at 12:30 today,” Rodrigo said, per Goal.com. “This is one of the happiest days of my life. I’ve experienced some really happy moments, but this is one of the best.
“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time and although I’m calm about it on the surface, inside me I’m jumping for joy. My mobile phone is full of calls and messages, although I’ve not had chance to reply to anyone yet, I’m thankful to them all. My years at Benfica have also helped me get here.”
Del Bosque also picked 21-year-old Bayern Munich defender Juan Bernat to the roster, clearly emphasizing the fact that Spain’s boss wanted to test some of the country’s youth.
“Bernat is included because of his characteristics, for all that he can offer on the left flank, both at the back and going forward,” Del Bosque said. “Rodrigo is also playing out wide and as a second striker. Both of them can be Spain players for many years to come.”