Real Betis midfielder Joaquin says he remains available to Spain.

He still has some hope of playing for them, at the age of 39.

"While I am a professional footballer I will always have the hope of returning to the national team," said Joaquin. "I think I deserved a call (in 2008) to explain the reasons why (I was not selected)."

His last game was in 2007 against Switzerland, in a qualifier for that tournament.

"I think my way of being and way of seeing life has not helped me in football or in the national team. It shouldn't be like that because they should judge me for my play."