Ramos: I want to go down in the history of Spanish football

Mar 19, 2013 5:25:00 PM

The Real Madrid defender is adamant la Roja can qualify for World Cup 2014, while David de Gea, Isco and Javi Garcia are all delighted to be part of the senior set-up

Sergio Ramos is hopeful he can go down in history ahead of reaching the 100-cap mark for Spain this week.

The Real Madrid defender is on the verge of becoming the youngest ever player to bring up a century of appearances for his country - beating Lukas Podolski’s previous mark - though he called for focus ahead of crucial World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Finland and France this month.

"On a personal level, it'll be a moment to enjoy," he told reporters. "I hope I can go down in the history of Spanish football - that's a real personal challenge for me. The chance to win 100 caps makes me proud.

"For a footballer, achieving your personal goals is very important. I have been playing for Spain for a number of years and that makes me proud. I hope I can go well beyond 100 caps for my country.

"We know what we have to do [to qualify for World Cup 2014], and we want to do it right - these are two hugely significant games in which qualification for the World Cup is at stake.

"[France] will be a very difficult game. I still haven't spoken to [Raphael] Varane and [Karim] Benzema, [but] we have a few days to send each other a message or two.

"First we have the game against Finland to think about, though; these days any team in international football can hurt you, so let's give them the respect they're due. Then we'll think about France."

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea could get his chance to shine for la Roja in the absence of injured captain Iker Casillas, and he hopes to make the most of his chance with the senior set-up.

"I am very pleased and very happy, I will try to do my best to please the coach," the young goalkeeper said. "So far with the Under-21s I have been relaxed and now has come this special moment for me.

"It is a pity that Casillas cannot be here, we all know he is the captain and the idol, and I am happy, but for the fact that he is injured, to be here. [But] for me, this is a big step in my career."

Malaga attacker Isco, who has been excellent in Europe in particular this season, is another talented Roja youngster who will want to make his mark ahead of this summer’s Confederations Cup.

"I’m happy to be back with the best team in the world, now to enjoy this with my team-mates and to get two big wins," the Spaniard said.

"This does not strengthen me, but it is true that the call-up is very important for a player and I am very excited to be here.

"The Champions League has had a very big impact [on my career]. I’m very happy with everything we are doing at Malaga and I am now happy to be here and to focus on the team."

Manchester City star Javi Garcia is excited to be among his World Cup and Euro 2012-winning compatriots for their qualification clashes against European opposition in the coming nine days.

"I’m very happy, since everybody has been nice," he said: "It's very hard to believe I am here. It's a little dream come true. Better late than never!

"You have to fight hard to be here. I am very happy to part of the squad for big games like these."

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