Euro 2016: Spain's Pedro explodes over lack of game time

Spain attacker Pedro Rodríguez has sparked controversy after offering outspoken remarks over his peripheral role for Vicente del Bosque's men.

"I had other expectations"

The Chelsea player, who has won 56 Spanish caps since making his international debut in 2010, has featured for just nine minutes of La Roja's Euro 2016 campaign so far.

A late substitute in Spain's opening Group D win over the Czech Republic, Pedro then failed to get off the bench as the tournament holders beat Turkey 3-0 on Friday to qualify for the last 16.

And in an interview with pay-TV platform Movistar+, the ex-Barcelona man admitted: "I had other expectations when I got here."

"It isn't worth coming"

He continued: "Taking on this role is difficult for me and if you can't see any prospect of a regular game it isn't worth carrying on coming [just] to be part of the group and to be with your team-mates."

However, the 28-year-old did concede that he feels 'very comfortable' when he is with the Spain squad.

In the wake of his comments, it was announced that the player would face the media on Monday evening as part of Spain's pre-match press conference for their third and final group-stage clash, which sees them take on Croatia on Tuesday.

And on Radio Marca, Del Bosque explained that he had talked to Pedro about his remarks: "It took me by surprise, but it's better that the lad speaks and explains himself.

He went on: "I've spoken to him, he's apologised to me."