Almunia drops fresh England hint
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has not ruled out the option of perhaps playing for England one day – but admits Fabio Capello’s men “do not need many changes”.
The 31-year-old has not been capped by Spain, and so could eventually enter the reckoning for England – or indeed any of the other home nations – if he opted for UK citizenship through naturalisation after six years in the country.
However, given Almunia – who signed from Celta Vigo in July 2004 – would have to wait until 2010 before his application could be processed, that is something which the Spaniard does not have to concern himself with just yet.
“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 TV Online.
“However, the time has not come yet and maybe in the next year there could be the possibility, so I could think about that.”
Almunia added: “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.”
However, the Arsenal goalkeeper accepted things were looking good for a reborn England under Fabio Capello on the road to the World Cup in South Africa.
“England are in the right way now and are playing very well and at the moment they do not need many changes,” he said.
“It is not good I am involved in these kind of stories very often.
“But if people are talking about you, that can be a good thing.”
