Aduriz and Bellerín prohibited from talking about De Gea

The Spanish Football Federation went ahead with their original plan of letting Aritz Aduriz and Héctor Bellerín take questions from the media in Friday's press briefing, in spite of the storm surrounding David de Gea, who has been implicated of being involved in a sexual assault according to several Spanish media outlets.

Initially, the RFEF reacted by informing reporters that De Gea would face the media in an emergency press conference programmed for 17:45 local time at the Spain squad's base in Isle de Rhé. But it was Aduriz and Bellerín who emerged to take their places before an expected press room. Inevitably, the first question concerned the Manchester United goalkeeper but Aduriz responded: "I am only going to say this just once: We would appreciate it, if we are not asked about the Torbe case because we are not going to talk about it. This will be the final question on the subject as we're not going to say anything at all about it".

Journalists were not going to give up so easily. Another question about De Gea followed, forcing RFEF spokesperson Paloma Antoranz to intervene: "We will not be taking any questions on the matter".

After being gagged by the RFEF, both players answered questions in what was a very subdued, and unusually brief exchange with reporters. Aduriz spoke about his role in the national team: "Spain have players who are at an incredible level, and for me to be close to them, to be training with them... It's like doing a mini Masters degree in football. I feel privileged to be the team's striker. It's a real pleasure. Maybe Spain's national team has a certain style but when the balls come to us in attack, tghey're played in well. It's a privilege to be here, I hope I can show that I deserve to be here”.

Meanwhile, Bellerín concentrated on mulling over a possible return to Barcelona: "Leaving was a decision I took when I was young and I don't know what would have happened if I had stayed. I'm happy I took that step because that is where I am today. I've also spkoken about the chance of returning one day but now I am focused on the national team and I'm not thinking about what's happening elsewhere...".