With Spain manager Luis Enrique announcing the squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 earlier today, Jordi Alba was one among seven Barcelona players selected.
The 33-year-old veteran left-back will be the vice-captain for La Roja, who will be led by another Barcelona star in Sergio Busquets.
It will be Alba’s third participation in a World Cup after he was part of the Spanish national team in 2014 and 2018. Talking about being selected for the tournament, the defender said (h/t FCB World):
“I am very happy because it is not easy to participate and this will be my third World Cup. We have a good team, which combines experience and youth, and I am sure that things will go well.”
Alba admits that he had always dreamt of playing professional football but never imagined that he will be part of three World Cups.
“I dreamed of professional football, but I did not imagine participating in the World Cup three times, it seems so difficult,” the Barcelona veteran said.
On Spain’s recent performances at major events, Alba added: “We did a great job in the last Euros, we got to the semi-finals, and we were eliminated. I think we were better than Italy in that match. After that, we put in an amazing performance in the Nations League.”
Ahead of the World Cup, Alba added that there is great unity within the Spain camp which could help them go the distance.
“We arrive at the World Cup with good dynamics, an amazing group of players, we have excellent communication with the technical staff and all those responsible for the national team,” the Barcelona ace said.
“We are a family now and this is very important in such competitions, I am sure that we will go step by step, with a lot of desire and passion, and we will succeed.”