Jordi Alba, who finished with the captain's armband, appreciated the elimination of Spain at the hands of Italy in the penalty shoot-out. The winger regretted not having made it to the final, but at the same time he was proud of a team that performed better than expected.
“It is a hard blow. We deserved a little more. So are penalties. The other day we won and today we lost. Proud of all the teammates, staff … we have formed a magnificent group. It is to be proud ”.
Support for: “Thank the fans, we have noticed the support. Today we have played one of the best teams that I remember from Italy and now from Europe. We have deserved a few more goals, it has been very even. Give thanks to those who have always believed in us ”.
The group: “I've been in the national team for 9 or 10 years and I haven't seen such a group for a long time. It hurts to lose, but the illusion I saw in the expedition, players … I have been in magnificent changing rooms but what breathes here is different. Years go by, this is ending and it is an opportunity that passes. As long as it gives the level I hope to be here.
The future: “We have shown that this team is for the World Cup. We were the team with the clearest ideas. It is to be proud of. Then in the World Cup it will be seen, important teams such as Argentina, Brazil are coming but we will be fighting and doing a good job ”.
Elimination: “They had to throw us on penalties. People are proud of this Spain. We have left everything, we have worked a lot. I am convinced that it is still going to go further ”.
Qatar World Cup: “Hopefully I can get to Qatar. Physically I look good and mentally much better than other years. When I do not give the level or the coach decides that I do not give it because I will stop coming “.