‘Bench role with Spain is not worth my time’ – Pedro

Chelsea winger Pedro has cast doubt on his international future by claiming being asked to sit on the Spain bench at Euro 2016 is “not worth” his time.

The 28-year-old has played less than 10 minutes so far in the tournament, coming on during the late stages of La Roja’s 1-0 win over the Czech Republic.

Coach Vicente Del Bosque has showed a preference for the likes of Nolito and David Silva on the flanks – something which has upset the Chelsea forward.

“I had different expectations when I first came here,” he said in an interview with Movistar, quoted in Marca.

“It is difficult for me to play this role (as a substitute), and if there is no continuity it is not worth me turning up just to be part of the group.”

The Chelsea forward, who joined the Blues from Barcelona last summer, is one of the most experienced players in the Spain squad, having won 58 caps and scored 17 goals since making his debut in May 2010.

Del Bosque on Pedro

However, as he prepared his squad for their final Group D match against Croatia in Bordeaux – with Spain already secure of qualification for the last 16, although not top spot – Vincente Del Bosque looked to play down any suggestions of an unsettled camp.

“What he has said, he did not disrespect anyone. I think his conscience got the better of him a little bit and he just showed a reality of what the 12 players who are not playing all feel,” Del Bosque told a UEFA media conference.

“Pedro was a bit angry he is not playing, that is inevitable and can happen.

“We try to get on well with everyone and for everybody to be happy and comfortable.

“However, it is inevitable that in certain moments with those 12 players who are not playing there will be a bit of discrepancy, that is what happened and I don’t think there is anything more to it than that.

“All the news here has been positive so when something negative comes out it is blown out proportion a bit, but I don’t think it will have a lot of repercussions.”