Spain and Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba has insisted that he was determined to compete in the London Olympic Games this summer.
The 23-year-old, who played an integral part in Spain's Euro 2012 final victory over Italy last month, has expressed his gratitude towards Barcelona for allowing him to compete in the Games, despite only recently signing for the Catalans from Valencia.
"My dream was always to come [to the Games]," said Alba. "I had spoken with [coach Luis] Milla about it when I was still at Valencia."
Spain begin their Olympics campaign with a clash against Japan in Glasgow at Hampden Park on July 26.