Madrid, May 27 (IANS): Spain international striker Fernando Torres said Tuesday that he was delighted to be called up by Vicente Del Bosque to take part in preparations ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Although Torres' position in the final squad of 23 will not be assured until after Spain play Bolivia Friday night, Torres looks almost certain to go, especially as his main rivals, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo have not been included, reports Xinhua.
It is another chance for Torres, who had not been included in any of Del Bosque's squads for the past year and who looked as if he would miss out after another disappointing campaign with Chelsea.
However, while others doubted, Torres said he had always remained confident.
"I never thought I had played my last game for Spain. I love coming and part of the best things that have happened to be in football have happened here," said Torres, who said he was in excellent physical condition.
One player who is not in excellent condition and whose place is very much in the balance is Diego Costa who will have to rest for the next fortnight as the result of a hamstring injury.
Torres backed the decision taken by the Spanish Football Federation to treat Costa's injury in the hope the forward makes a miracle recovery, but he is also aware that Del Bosque has said that he will only take players who are in peak condition.
"A muscle injury takes weeks to cure if you carry out a good recovery plan, but if the coach has called him up, it is because he is going to be in top form. He is not going to take risks. They will wait for him. We have good doctors with the squad and if he is able to come we will be delighted. If not then someone else will come," said Torres.
One player who suddenly has a chance of going to Brazil is Barca forward, Gerard Deulofeu, who was called up by Del Bosque Sunday, despite not being included in his 30-man preliminary squad.
A muscle problem suffered by Jesus Navas has opened the door for the player who spent last season on loan at Everton.
"I was on holiday when I got a call saying I had a chance, so I started to train in the hope of getting a call up. I was not thinking about Brazil, but in enjoying this week. I am going to learn and then whatever happens will happen," he said.
"This has been a great week. I am going to be with Barca next season and to come home and to be called up by Spain is something I aim to take advantage of," he said.