Mikel Arteta ignores Steven Gerrard's England invite as Everton star clings on to Spanish dream

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated:

Hopeful: Arteta is determined to play for Spain

Hopeful: Arteta is determined to play for Spain

Mikel Arteta is refusing to give up on his dream of playing for Spain despite Steven Gerrard calling for the midfielder to make himself available for England.

Everton star Arteta has represented his homeland at Under 21 level but has never made the step up to play for the reigning European and world champions.

The 28-year-old was close to a call-up last year but a knee injury ruined his chances and the former Rangers star is behind the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas in the pecking order.

Having lived in England for more than five years, Arteta qualifies for the Three Lions through residency rules and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard would love to play alongside his Merseyside rival at international level.

But Arteta, from San Sebastian, is not about to throw in the towel in his battle to pull on the famous red shirt.

He said: 'It's really hard and I don't know if the chance will ever come. Maybe I'm not good enough. We have unbelievable players in my position who are playing for big teams.

'In the World Cup final I think there were seven players from Barcelona in the team who play together every week.

Dream team: Xavi (left) and Iniesta were superb for Spain at the World Cup

Dream team: Xavi (left) and Iniesta were superb for Spain at the World Cup

'Iniesta is unbelievable. I have known him since he was 13 at Barcelona and you could see at that time he would be fabulous. We have so many more in that position too so it's hard to get in.

'But you need to have aims. If you don't think you can do something then you're never going to do it.

'I still think I can do it. The coaches phoned me a few times after I did my cruciate. It's a shame because I know I've been really close.

'I'm still at a good age to achieve it but it is really tough.'

Arteta was linked with Arsenal and Manchester City this summer but the former Barcelona trainee put an end to all speculation over his future by signing a five-year deal at Goodison Park.

He added: 'Some people were saying, if you go there you will get in the Spanish team. But no-one is going to secure that just by going somewhere else.

'Okay, in the Champions League you will be in the headlines and on the TV much more, but I hope I can get that here.

'I don't see any reason why I can't get in the national team from playing for Everton.'



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