Mendieta Not Banking On Spain
by Graeme Bailey - Last Updated 11 Aug 2004
Middlesbrough star Gaizka Mendieta is not expecting any favours from new Spain coach Luis Aragones.
The former Atletico Madrid supremo, who was Mendieta's boss for two years during his time at Valencia, was appointed as the successor to Inaki Saez over the summer following Spain's failure in Euro 2004.
It is now being suggested that a good start to the season from Mendieta, could signal a return from the international wilderness - where he has been for nearly two years after last playing for Spain in November 2002 against Bulgaria.
However, Mendieta is not banking on getting any preferential treatment from Aragones.
When asked about whether he thought he has more chance of playing for Spain under Aragones, Mendieta said: "No.
"No, because that was a different time and place.
"I will not say never because you never know.
"I have seen a lot of players come back to the side I have been out for over a year now."
Mendieta spent last season on loan at Boro from Lazio, but his deal became a permanent one during the summer on a four-year deal.
He is now looking forward to the new season ahead, where he will again taste European football.
"It will be good to play in Europe and I think we can do well," he said.
"At the moment there is a big expectation level at the club.
"It is very good that we have really good players and we have brought some more in and for the future we have to have a good base.
"This is a very important year for the club." | 
