Marc Roca and Álvaro Valles leave San Pablo bound for La Roja

Marc Roca, happy about his return to La Roja, and goalkeeper Álvaro Valles, accompanied by Pere Punti and Jordi Santamaría, departed this Monday from Sevilla‑San Pablo airport towards their first training camp with the senior Spanish national team.

The goalkeeper and the midfielder of Real Betis left in the morning from Sevilla‑San Pablo airport, a day after being starters in the 0‑2 victory over Elche.

Both are scheduled to take part this afternoon in the first training session led by Luis de la Fuente in Las Rozas.

Valles links his call-up to Betis

Before boarding, Valles attributed part of the credit for his call-up to the performance of Manuel Pellegrini's team, saying: «Betis’s impact is different and, moreover, the strong start both in the league and in the Champions also says a lot». The goalkeeper kept a clean sheet at the Martínez Valero for the sixth time in twelve matchdays.

Valles, who had not yet spoken with De la Fuente, assured that the opportunity gives him «more strength to keep improving and growing as a footballer». Jordi Santamaría added: «I haven’t cried out of embarrassment, I think».

Luis de la Fuente’s call-up includes three debutants and four goalkeepers, among them Ferran Martínez.

Marc Roca will reunite with De la Fuente, with whom he already met in the youth categories, and said: «Hopefully it’s the first of many. Luis has always trusted me».

Roca also linked the double call-up to Betis’s strong performance, fourth in the league, and stated: «If the team is doing well, you have more chances of being in the national team. Happy and eager to continue, because this Betis has no limit».

Spain will close the Nations League group stage on Thursday, November 12, against the Czech Republic in Prague, and on Sunday the 15th against England at the Metropolitano.