MADRID, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Spain international forward Pablo Sarabia said on Tuesday that he was delighted to return to the squad for the first time since La Roja's defeat to Morocco in the last 16 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Sarabia missed a penalty in the decisive shootout at the end of the game, and had been in the international wilderness until receiving the call from coach Luis de la Fuente for forthcoming friendlies against Colombia in London and Brazil in Madrid.

"You never lose hope and I try to do what I can," said Sarabia in a press conference, explaining that he "worked day by day and it's always a joy," to represent his country.

The 31-year-old, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, joins a squad that contains 17-year-old duo Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi.

"I am very happy that such young players are joining the team. It means that good work is done in the youth systems," commented Sarabia, who insisted that, at 31, he didn't "feel old".

"I'm in a very good stage of my life. It may be the best moment of my career. There is a big age difference but we try to bring experience and youth to any team," said the forward.

Sarabia also looked ahead to next summer's European Championships, saying he didn't want to say if Spain were favorites or not, but admitted - "we have a very good team and we have to focus on ourselves. The label of favorites to win the European Championship is only going to weaken us and doesn't help at all." Enditem

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