Almunia still keen on England

Arsenal keeper open to Three Lions call

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 17th October 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Almunia still keen on England

Almunia: Spanish shot-stopper

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Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia has again refused to rule out the possibility of playing for England in the future.

The Spaniard has not been capped by his homeland, allowing him to come into England reckoning - or any of the other home nations - should he decide to take up UK citizenship after six years in the country.

He signed for the Gunners from Celta Vigo in 2004, meaning he would have to wait until 2010 before he was eligible to be naturalised.

The 31-year-old admits that Fabio Capello's Three Lions are coping okay without him at the moment, but admits he would welcome the opportunity to play for his adopted country at some stage.

"At the beginning it could not be serious because I could not imagine thinking about that when I first came here. But I feel better in this country at this club, and I say 'why not?'," Almunia told Arsenal's official website.

"However, the time has not come yet and maybe in the next year there could be the possibility, so I could think about that.

Rumours

"I would be happy (to play for England) if I were happy, my family and my people were happy and if there are more pluses than counters, then maybe I will take the decision.

"But it is a big thing to think about.

He added: "England are in the right way now and are playing very well and at the moment they do not need many changes.

"It is not good that I am involved in these kind of stories very often.

"But if people are talking about you, that can be a good thing."

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