Joselu made his debut for Spain as a substitute and scored two goals on Saturday, which was a dream come true for the 32-year-old striker
Joselu was overjoyed after scoring two goals on his debut for the Spanish national team, leading them to a 3-0 victory over Norway in Malaga on Saturday.
Luis de la Fuente, who recently took over as the head coach of La Roja, picked a somewhat unfamiliar squad for their first two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Many people thought Joselu deserved a call-up earlier. Especially considering he had scored ten or more La Liga goals in the past three seasons.
Joselu thanks de la Fuente for giving him a chance
Joselu came off the bench in the second half of the game against Norway with Spain leading 1-0. He scored two goals to secure a 3-0 victory for La Roja.
His achievement made him the oldest debutant to score for Spain since September 2006, just two days before his 33rd birthday. Joselu was astonished by his performance.
“The truth is that I am not believing it.”
“The truth is that I still don’t believe it,” he told TVE. “This is everything a player can have and in the end, the daily work has had its reward.
“I think I would especially like to thank my wife and my children, and my mother, who have come here today.
“The truth is that I am not believing it.”
De la Fuente included some less popular options in his squad, with Joselu being one of them.
The striker’s debut also made him the oldest player to make his debut for Spain since 2006.
“I thank him for everything, being here, trusting me, being on the first list,” he said.
“I think I have responded more than enough.
“Age doesn’t matter to me because I feel like a kid, I feel like an 18-year-old kid. I want to enjoy this; I want to hug my family because today is an incredible day.”
Joselu’s impressive debut may have earned him a chance to start in Spain’s next game against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
“Knowing the players and giving them confidence is our job. But all the credit belongs to him,” De la Fuente said of Joselu.
“We have recognised the great work he does every day at his club. I am happy for him and for everyone else.”
