Gavi admits he didn’t expect to start for Spain vs Italy

Gavi has opened up on his Spain debut after earning rave reviews and making history in Wednesday’s 2-1 Nations League win over Italy.

The 17-year-old is now Spain’s youngest ever player and admitted it was a surprise to see his name in Luis Enrique’s starting XI for the match.

“I was not expecting my debut with the national team but I was prepared for anything.

“It is a pride for me to be the youngest player in history, to represent my country and above all with victory,” he said.

“It’s a dream to listen to the anthem, I’ve always dreamed of reaching the senior team. I didn’t expect it to come out of the starting line-up but I was attentive to anything. I always tried to be myself and give everything for my country.”

The Barcelona teenager also admitted he’d been surprised to get the call-up in the first place and spoke about how he found out he’d been named in the squad.

”I didn’t believe it until I saw the image on the video. I was at the La Masía residence and my friends there told me. They told me to be calm and give my best.”

Gavi looks to have a great chance of starting again on Sunday when Spain take on France in the final at the San Siro.