Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has refused to rule out a return to the squad for Sergio Ramos.
The 37-year-old is back at Sevilla, returning to his boyhood club on a free transfer this summer following the expiration of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos is the most-capped Spain player in history, featuring for the national side on 180 occasions, winning two European Championships and the World Cup during his time with La Roja.
The centre-back announced his international retirement at the end of February after new head coach De la Fuente made it clear that the former Real Madrid captain was not in his plans.
However, Ramos said during his unveiling as a Sevilla player that he was open to returning to international action.
© Reuters
"A year ago I made a decision (to retire from international football). If the circumstances arise (over a possible return), who knows? Everyone knows what it means for me to represent my country. If the circumstances change, why not?" the defender said on Wednesday.
De la Fuente was asked about Ramos's comments during his press conference to preview Friday's Euro 2024 qualification match against Georgia.
The head coach said that he will always "pick the best squad" and refused to rule out a return for Ramos when directly asked about him on Thursday.
"I try to pick the best squad at all times. I'm focusing on the Georgia game for now. I don't know what will happen after Tuesday (vs Cyprus). I will assess things again in October," De la Fuente said.
© Reuters
Spain will also take on Cyprus in a Euro 2024 qualifier next week, and there is pressure on La Roja to pick up two positive results, having lost 2-0 to Scotland in their last match in Group A.
Lamine Yamal would become the youngest Spain player ever if he features against either Georgia or Cyprus, and De la Fuente also discussed Barcelona's 16-year-old attacker during his press conference.
"Lamine Yamal seemed very good to me, watching him on TV. But now that I'm working with him, I think he's much better," he told reporters.
"Currently, he's a very important player for us, he's here on his own merit. I have total confidence in him. I think he's a great player."
The attacker will be 16 years and 57 days old when Spain face Georgia, and he is bidding to beat the record currently held by club teammate Gavi.
Matt Law
