Almunia's England dream
Manuel Almunia has spoken of a desire to play for England in the future.
Arsenal's second choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has spoken of a desire to oust Jens Lehmann from Arsene Wenger's first team and in the process earn an England call-up.The 29-year-old has found opportunities scarce in North London since joining the club from Celta Vigo in 2004 but that has not stopped him plotting grand ambitions.
Almunia, of Spanish nationality, can qualify for British residency in another two years and in accordance with Fifa policy, any player over the age of 21 who has not represented their country of birth are permitted to switch international associations.
In a frank revelation, Almunia has conceded that he is not overly patriotic - of the opinion that he would have no qualms in switching his allegiance to Steve McClaren's England.
"I am 100 percent sure if I win my place with Arsenal and play for the first team, then I will play for Spain one day," Almunia told Arsenal TV Online.
"But if not, in two years I can be English, take the nationality and then I can play for England.
"If someone wants me, I do not care about the nationality.
"I am not as Spanish as many people, or very English - I do not care. I just want to play football at the top level.
"If I cannot play for Spain, I can find the way to play for any other country."
