Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has admitted that he would like to play for the Three Lions but Arteta insists his heart lies with Spain.
He said: “At the moment the idea of playing for England hasn’t even crossed my mind.
“I have the desire to play with Spain senior side.
“The truth is that it is an idea that has come about through the fans here. In England legislation states that if you play five years in the country you can play for the England team.
“I’ve been here for four and so there’s this possibility.
“It’s an idea similar to that which was talked about with Almunia.’
“I appreciate a lot the affection they are giving me and the campaign they are doing for me to play for England, but at the moment I am not planning anything.
“Since I have arrived in England the support of the fans has been constant and I value that a lot. I have played with all the categories of Spain and the hope to play with the full side is there.
“I know that it is very difficult because there are players with a lot of quality but I will fight to achieve it.”
