Spain has named its preliminary squad for this summer’s London Olympics and it includes two members of Spain’s Euro 2012 winning side; Juan Mata and Jordi Alba
Mata’s involvement is not a surprise after he agreed his commitment to Spain’s Olympic plans with Chelsea earlier this summer:
“I have confirmed with Chelsea that I can play the Olympics” said Mata.
“It’s something I have agreed with the Spanish federation, and I don’t want to change.
“My dream is to play and win the gold in London. After winning a lot with Chelsea last season, that would be another great honour.”
After celebrating Spain;s triumph in Madrid on Monday in front of thousands of fans, Mata and Alba will have just four days rest before linking up with his 2012 team-mates.
Spain host Senegal in Gran Canaria on July 13 before playing Mexico in Cadiz on July 18. The gold medal favourites open their Olympics campaign in Glasgow on July 26 against Japan at Hampen Park before Group D games against Honduras in Newcastle and Morocco in Manchester.
Spain squad for Olympics
David De Gea (Manchester United), Diego Marino (Villarreal), Joel Robles (Atletico Madrid); Jordi Alba (Valencia/Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Marseille), Alberto Botia (Sporting Gijon), Alvaro Dommnguez (Borussia Monchengladbach), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Javi Martmnez and Mikel San Jose (both Athletic Bilbao), Martin Montoya (Barcelona); Thiago Alcantara and Cristian Tello (both Barcelona), Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao), Isco (Malaga), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata and Oriol Romeu (both Chelsea); Adrian Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Iker Muniain (Athletic Bilbao), Rodrigo (Benfica), Alvaro Vazquez (Espanyol)