“I was working with the physio when we heard the news on the radio,” he said.
“I was super excited and started hugging him, before even calling my parents. I’m very happy, but this doesn’t end here. This selection is a reward for me and for all the people around me who have helped me to achieve this.”
The young defender, who will be the first Rojiblanco in the Spanish squad since Pablo Ibañez, said “it’s an honour to represent Atlético in the national team.”
Spain meet Chile in Geneva on September 2 before taking on Liechtenstein in a Euro 2012 qualifier four days later.
Spain squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona); Alvaro Arbeloa, Raul Albiol, Sergio Ramos (all Real Madrid), Alberto Botia (Sporting Gijon), Alvaro Dominguez (Atletico Madrid), Martin Montoya (Barcelona); Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Malaga), Andres Iniesta, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao); David Villa & Pedro (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Chelsea).
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