Jose Antonio Reyes targets international call-up for Spain
Spanish winger Jose Antonio Reyes has said that his recent performances for Atletico Madrid have been strong enough to warrant a call-up for the Spanish national team.
Reyes joined Atletico from rivals Real Madrid in 2007, and is now beginning his third season for Enrique Flores' team after spending the 2008-2009 season on loan at Portuguese side Benfica.
Despite failing to land permanent deals on his loan spells to Benfica and Real, to whom he was loaned from Arsenal, Reyes believes that his recent run of form for Atletico has been strong enough to earn him a place in the Spanish national team.
“I’m at a level that I have not been at for years," the winger said, having extended his contract with last year's Europa League winners to 2014. "I feel at a level, and I think I’m qualified, to join the group but the decision is not mine, but that of the
coach. I work for the team and if the call from the coach comes I will be happy, but I cannot do anything but work every day.”
Reyes has made 21 appearances for Spain since 2003, but was not included in the squads that triumphed at the 2008 European championships and at this year's World Cup.
Feels president's confidence
Among his better performances this season was his lively display against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League last week. While Reyes missed a clear header and failed to get on the scoresheet, he played a constructive role in attack for the Spaniards.
The Spaniard also took time to thank Enrique Cerezo, president of Atletico since 2002.
"I want to thank the president. This has been very important to me, not only to renew my contract, but the trust he has shown in me from the first day that I arrived. Coming here from Real Madrid was a bit shocking, and I knew that I had to change public
opinion. The past is the past, and at the present the fans are fine with me.”
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