Bayern’s Javi Martinez left in the dark about Spain snub

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Bayern Munich midfielder Javi Martinez claims Spain’s national team coach Julen Lopetegui has not explained why he has been omitted from his country’s squad for the friendlies against Germany and Argentina. 

Martinez, 29, missed Euro 2016 with knee and ankle injuries, but does have a World Cup winner’s medal in his trophy cabinet from Spain’s triumph in 2010.

Martinez has 18 caps with his national side, but he has not been selected since the World Cup in 2014, and regarding his latest snub, the midfielder claims he has not spoken to Lopetegui. NaijaBet.com

When asked if he has been contacted by Lopetegui, Martinez told ESPN: “No, no, no. He never called me or said nothing about it.”

Competition to break into Spain’s national team is fierce, especially in the midfield where La Furia Roja boast a plethora of world class talent.

Martinez acknowledges that travelling to Russia will be difficult, but he is determined to impress Lopetegui.

“I know it’s very difficult to get in the national team,” Martinez said. “There are such good players there. It’s very difficult.

“Of course, I worked very hard to try to go there. I want to keep working hard. It’s true that here, a lot of people asked me — are surprised about why I’m not going on, but I think I have to work. I don’t give up and I keep working to try to reach the goal.”

And while returning for the World Cup remains Martinez’s main ambition, he has admitted that he must use any potential snub as motivation if he does not go to Russia. NaijaBet.com

“I will keep working and will try 100 percent,” he continued.

“Of course, it’s one of my biggest goals to be in the World Cup and I will fight very hard, but I told you, it’s very difficult to get in, but if I’m not going, if nothing happens, I have to keep working and it’s not the end of my career.”

Such is the strength of the Spain squad that Martinez would likely earn a place in any other national team’s side this summer, given the Spaniard has been a solid presence in Bayern’s midfield over the years.

The 29-year-old is a man you can trust with the ball at his feet, as he has completed 88% of his passes in the Bundesliga, which is just as good as his compatriot Andres Iniesta this season, however it does fall short of his Bayern and Spain colleague Thiago Alcantara, who has completed 91% of his passes. NaijaBet.com

Spain drew 1-1 with Germany on Saturday in the first of their two friendlies this international break, and will face Argentina on Tuesday at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid.