Arca staying Argentinian

Boro star won't play for England

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 15th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Arca staying Argentinian

Arca: No to passport

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Julio Arca could obtain a British passport and be eligible to play for England - but the Argentine has no plans to do so.

The 26-year-old has spent more than five years in England, firstly with Sunderland and now with Middlesbrough, and he is eligible to apply for citizenship.

Arca, who was previously captain of Argentina's Under-21s, has never been called into the senior squad - but he does not see himself wearing the Three Lions.

"I think I could apply because I have lived in the UK for over five years, nearly eight in fact," said Arca.

No to England

"I could change my nationality. I already have dual nationality (Italian through a grandmother) so I could change to English, but I don't think so.

"I would not consider it. It may be even harder to play for England than Argentina. I don't think it is going to happen that an England manager would come up to me and tell me to play for England. I cannot see it. You need to know something about the history of England to get the passport, don't you?

"I do not think it is right. If you are born in one country, you should not play for another country. Never say never but I don't see that opportunity."

Arca is fit again after suffering knee ligament damage earlier in the season and he is in-line to make his first Premier League start since September, when Boro face Derby on Saturday.