I'll dump Spain for England, says Arsenal keeper (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

I'll dump Spain for England, says Arsenal keeper

10:20am Wednesday 19th November 2008 in

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ARSENAL keeper Manuel Almunia is keen to pursue an international career with England after being omitted from Spain's squad to face Chile.

The Spaniard is eager to play for his adopted country after being repeatedly snubbed by his home nation, with Real Madrid's Iker Casillas and Liverpool's Pepe Reina both ahead of him in the pecking order.

The 32-year-old has been a permanent fixture for the Gunners since he displaced Jens Lehmann last season and is keen to challenge the likes of David Jame, Robert Green and Paul Robinson for England's number one jersey.

"I have read a lot about it," he told Revista de la Liga.

"Many people talk about it this and there is a real possibility but it's still not really, really real. But it's still there, it's something to think seriously about when it comes down to it.

"I don't know why not, because many people get double nationality - Eduardo is pure Brazilian yet he plays with Croatia. I don't care what link he has with the country, but he chose to play for Croatia and everybody respects him.

"I don't know why it couldn't be like that for me. If I do get the call, I will say 'OK'."

Almunia insists he is happy with life in North London, but believes he is good enough to be recognised as one of the top three Spanish keepers.

"I am very happy with all I have now," he said. "If I was 20 or 25 years old, I would be frustrated not to be in the Spanish squad.

"But now, with my age, I'm very pleased with my situation - to play for one of the top clubs in Europe and having my holidays in the summer? That's great for me!

"I think I am good enough to be in one of the three places, but in Spain there are a lot of really good keepers, Spanish ones. Almost all the teams have a Spanish goalkeeper."