Football
Bernal thanks Flick as Spain call-up nears
Marc Bernal said he is not making summer plans while waiting for a possible Spain call-up and thanked Hansi Flick for his support.
“I owe him my life.” Marc Bernal used those words for Hansi Flick as he waited for a possible senior Spain call-up and said he was not making any summer holiday plans.
The 18-year-old Barcelona midfielder has come through a difficult spell after a cruciate ligament injury, then returned to make 21 La Liga appearances and contribute three goals. He regained his regular starting place in February when Frenkie de Jong was absent.
Speaking to Catalunya Radio, the Berga-born player said he still hoped to be included in Luis de la Fuente’s upcoming squad presentation. “Of course I'd like to go, representing a country is the ultimate for a footballer and I haven't ruled myself out yet. At the moment I'm not making any plans for the summer, for now I just have to wait it out.”
Bernal also said Flick had given him his senior debut at 17 and managed his rehabilitation carefully. “He trusted me when I was only 17, and I will always be grateful to him.”
He also spoke about Robert Lewandowski, with Barcelona preparing for the striker’s departure this coming summer. Bernal said: “He has helped Barca a lot to win titles again. He is a legend and we will always be grateful to him.”
Looking ahead after Barcelona’s closely-fought Champions League quarter-final exit to Atletico Madrid, he added: “To keep winning titles, that's what makes you feel best. We're happy. The Champions League slipped through our fingers due to small details in a high-level tie, but next year we're aiming for more.”
Monday brings an administrative milestone for Bernal, when Spain finalise their World Cup squad. If selected, he would be in line to help La Roja chase a second title after their 2010 triumph.
Spain begin their Group H campaign against Cape Verde on June 15, before matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
