
Isco makes Spain squad return for Nations League final four
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called up Isco yesterday for the Nations League final four, six years after the midfielder's last appearance for La Roja.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed a superb season with Real Betis, helping them reach the Conference League final where they face Chelsea on Wednesday. Euro 2024 winners Spain face France in the semi-final in Stuttgart on June 5 before a potential final against Germany or Portugal.
'It was the opportune moment for Isco to come and give something to us,' De la Fuente told reporters.
'He will be adding a lot -- if not, he would not have been in the list.'
Out of favour for several seasons at Real Madrid, former Malaga playmaker Isco moved to Sevilla and then Betis in 2022 and 2023 respectively.
At the Benito Villamarin stadium he has rebuilt his career and become a vital cog in Manuel Pellegrini's attractive attacking set-up.
'I'm happy to return after so many years, it's a nice objective to be able to play again with my national team,' Isco told Real Betis's inhouse media.
'I'm proud to get back there, that means that things have been g o i n g well.'

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