Sevilla midfielder Ever Banega has spoken about the prospects of returning to the Argentina national team before this summer’s Copa America. The 30-year-old has been out of contention for his country since the World Cup last year but he remains optimistic of making a comeback before the continental competition starts in Brazil.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “If one day I am called up, I would welcome it. I see myself for the Copa America but not for the World Cup in Qatar, no. We value everything that we did because it cost us a lot. We always went forward and I can’t take anything away from us. We all wanted the same thing but it wouldn’t happen. Now there’s a new road and hopefully it goes well.”
Banega is currently enjoying one of his most productive seasons at Sevilla and he has amassed eight goals across all competitions for the club. As such, the Argentine has been on the radar of several elite European clubs due to the creativity from the centre of the park and he could be the subject of transfer bids when the season comes to a close.
“Premier League giants Arsenal are said to be one of the top clubs watching the proceedings“ and they could yet lodge an approach with his contract expiring in 15 months’ time. Meanwhile, Argentina have not enjoyed the best of preparations for the Copa America with a recent 3-1 defeat at the hands of Venezuela but manager Lionel Scaloni remains confident of turning “things around with several“ senior players returning to the mix.
Lionel Messi is expected to make the bow at the tournament after his recent return to national team duty and he could be joined by Sergio Aguero, who is currently the best performing striker at the club level. The Manchester City striker has straight competition from Mauro Icardi, but the latter has barely featured for Inter Milan this year after a rift with the club’s hierarchy.