Everton forward looking to rekindle international career under Roberto Martinez
Tuesday 30 August 2016 09:12, UK
Kevin Mirallas insists he holds no grudges with Marc Wilmots after his decision to omit him from Belgium's Euro 2016 squad.
The Everton forward was one of the high-profile players missing from Wilmots' 23-man party who travelled to this summer's European Championship, where Belgium were dumped out at the quarter-final stage by Wales.
Wilmots was relieved of his duties following Belgium's below-par performance in France, and he has since been replaced by Mirallas' old manager Roberto Martinez.
Following his sacking at Goodison Park in May, the former Toffees boss has resurrected Mirallas' international career, naming him in his first squad for the forthcoming friendly against Spain and World Cup qualifier in Cyprus.
Speaking on his return to the international set-up, Mirallas told Sky Sports News HQ: "I am very happy for myself and my family to represent my country.
"Playing in Spain, the country of my father's origin, also makes it a good game.
"I didn't really have a problem (with Wilmots). I didn't play lot at Everton in the last two months before the Euros and, when you have a strong squad, he needed to take the decision.
"This is football, I don't have a problem with him, I like him because he is a good person."
Martinez handed Thierry Henry his first coaching role by naming him as his assistant, and the pair have been tasked with leading Belgium's golden generation to glory.
Asked whether he was surprised at Martinez's appointment, the 28-year-old added: "Yes and no.
"Yes because after he finished with Everton he's got a job with a national team after two months, but no because he's a good manager and he knows football."
Ranked No 1 in the world heading into Euro 2016, Belgium failed to fulfil their potential as Wales sent them crashing out in the last eight.
Mirallas hopes the appointment of Martinez and Henry can install a team ethic that delivers international honours.
"Every paper has said that this Belgium team is the best," he said. "It's true but you need a team to realise that.
"Before we had a lot of individuality but not a team, now I hope we will have both and win something because with this generation we need to win something."
Kevin Mirallas was speaking at the global announcement of his signing to New Balance. He is wearing the New Balance Furon 2.0 which is available from PRODIRECTSOCCER.COM