National team chief speaks out as Arsenal player snubs offer to switch international allegiance

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Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera is part of the Spain senior squad for upcoming international friendlies against Serbia and Egypt, respectively

Spain's Director of Development Aitor Karanka, the former manager of Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, has praised Arsenal defender Cristhian Mosquera for snubbing an offer to represent Colombia.

The centre-back captained Spain at the U21 European Championships last summer but has had to wait a long time for a senior call-up.

In the meantime, Colombia have been onto the Gunners youngster as he qualifies to represent the South American nation via his parents.

Mosquera also holds a Colombian passport but his patience has now paid dividends as he's firmly part of Luis de la Fuente's thinking ahead of the World Cup finals in North America.

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He could well make his debut on Friday when Spain take on Serbia in an international friendly.Karanka said while also praising Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch for selecting La Roja over Morocco: "Thiago is an example of the commitment being fostered at the RFEF. The same goes for Mosquera in the senior national team; even though they may receive calls from other national teams, they identify strongly with Spain. We appreciate that commitment.

"The senior team reflects the level of commitment the players show every time they come here. Thiago and Mosquera are two examples of that commitment."

Because Mosquera is only set to feature in a friendly for Spain, he still could technically switch international allegiance if he wanted to U-turn.

The former Valencia man is not the only Arsenal player in the national team fold as Martin Zubimendi and goalkeeper David Raya also look set to go to the World Cup.

Speaking to The Athletic last October, Mosquera refused to close the door on the prospect of representing Colombia, explaining: “When I was 14 or 15, Spain contacted me. At that time, I don’t remember having any conversations with Colombia.

“For now, I’ve continued my normal process with Spain. But I’m not closing any doors on anyone. I try to carry on with my day-to-day life at my club and let the doors open when they need to open.”

He has made 25 appearances so far this season, largely filling in for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes when the pair were both injured.