Chelsea star Juan Mata said his omission from the Spain squad following La Roja’s Euro 2012 triumph proved a bitter pill to swallow after he was recalled by Vicente del Bosque for Wednesday’s friendly in Panama.
“Obviously, not being picked wasn’t good news for me. Like all players, I feel a great joy when I am called up to the national team. And last time, when I wasn’t on the list, it was a source of sadness,” Mata told a news conference on Tuesday.
“But there are a lot of matches at international level. The most important thing is to do well at your club,” added the midfielder, who has shone brightly for Chelsea thus far this season.
Mata was left of the squad for Spain’s last three World Cup qualifiers — against Georgia, Belarus and France respectively — but is in line to return at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez on Wednesday.
However, Mata’s club teammate Fernando Torres won’t take any part against Julio Dely Valdes’ central American outfit, with Del Bosque opting to rest the Chelsea frontman.
“(He) told me to savour my return. He will continue to be selected, I hope. He’s good and is profiting from lots of playing time this season,” Mata said, referring to Torres.
Spain omission hard to take, says recalled Mata
