FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.02.2009 13:08

Busquets and Piqué in the Spain squad

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Sergio Busquets and Gerard Piqué have been named in the Spain squad for the first time and will join Carles Puyol, Xavi and Andrés Iniesta ahead of the friendly against England next week.

The two Blaugrana newcomers have been called up by coach Vicente del Bosque after they have impressed in Barça’s superb campaign this term. Both Piqué and Busquets have been playing for Spain’s Under-21 team, but this is the first time that they have been named in the first team squad. “I had heard rumours,” Busquets said. “I was hoping they were true and now I have been named I very pleased.” Piqué added: “It is a reward for all the hard work and is something that you think about, but do not expect.”

Along with Liverpool, the Blaugrana are the team with the most players included in the squad as Piqué and Busquets are joined by Puyol, Xavi and Iniesta. “It is recognition of how the team is playing and the confidence that they have placed in the youth team players,” Piqué said.

Five others

Apart from the Spain players, Barcelona have also had five other stars called up by their countries for the international friendlies taking place next week. Dani Alves has been named in the Brazil squad for their game against Italy in London, while Thierry Henry and Eric Abidal will meet Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Marseille. Rafa Marquez faces the longest journey as he will play for Mexico in a World Cup qualifier against the United States.