Pernia hoping for Spain chance

Argentine defender Mariano Pernia insists he would wear the Spain shirt with pride.

The 28-year-old left back plays for Getafe and has caught the eye over the past couple of seasons with his consistent displays.

Indeed, Pernia has also made a name for himself with some spectacular goals, arguably his best coming in the recent 3-1 defeat by Barcelona when he crashed home a superlative left-foot volley in the closing stages.

Having played in Spain for almost three seasons, (at Recreativo de Huelva and then Getafe), the defender will soon be eligible for a Spanish passport and would then be available for the Spanish national team.

That has caused some consternation in his native Argentina, but Pernia, whose daughter was born in Spain, claims he now feels ready to dedicate his international future to La Seleccion.

"Despite being Argentine, I would defend the Spanish shirt with real feeling because my daughter is Spanish and my family feel like that as well," he stated.

"What's more, I hope to obtain (Spanish) citizenship in January.

"The Argentina team is a closed door that it would be very difficult to open.

"However, Spain are always looking to increase competitiveness in their squad and give an opportunity to everyone who deserves it.

"But I have not spoken to Luis (Aragones) yet, everything I know about the matter has come out through the press."