[monks data]

International Friendlies

Mar 23, 2018 at 7.45pm UK

Germany
1-1
Spain

Muller (35')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Rodrigo (6')

Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez in dark over Spain omission

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 21 March 2018

Bayern Munich defender Javi Martinez says that Spain boss Julen Lopetegui has never told him why he has been frozen out of his plans with the national side.

Defender Javi Martinez has said that he "will not give up" hope of being named in the Spain squad for this summer's World Cup.

Martinez has made 18 appearances for his country, but the 29-year-old has not won a cap since 2014, despite remaining a regular in the Bayern squad.

The versatile player has revealed that he has never spoken to Julen Lopetegui regarding his omission, but says that he will continue to work towards earning an international recall.

Martinez told ESPN: "No, no, no. He never called me or said nothing about it. I know it's very difficult to get in the national team. There are such good players there. It's very difficult.

"Of course, I worked very hard to try to go there. I want to keep working hard. It's true that here, a lot of people asked me, and are surprised about why I'm not going on, but I think I have to work. I don't give up and I keep working to try to reach the goal."

Earlier in his career, Martinez helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.