From the Operating Room to the Spain Camp: the Story of the Betis Star that Moved Everyone to Tears
The Real Betis midfielder joins Luis de la Fuente’s UEFA Nations League squad after seven years of waiting and a long climb through Spain’s youth teams.
- On Tuesday, midfielder Marc Roca received his first invitation to the senior Spain squad for the UEFA Nations League after a seven-year journey through the youth ranks under Luis de la Fuente.
- Roca credited his rise to surgery a year and a half ago and his move to Real Betis. "Pellegrini has always given me trust and security," Roca said, noting the club's atmosphere enabled his development.
- With Rodri sidelined due to injury, Roca expressed his readiness to contribute to the national team. "I wish Rodri were not injured, but it is my turn to be here," he added.
- Roca joins several teammates from his Under-21s generation, including Unai Simon, Fabian Ruiz, and Oyarzabal, who have advanced to the senior side. Integration is eased by the team's familiar style.
- Spain prepares to face the Czech Republic and England in upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Roca will leverage his experience to help the squad maintain its performance levels.
11 Articles
11 Articles
After seven years of waiting, Marc Roca has finally been called up to the Spanish national team. Injury, surgery, and Pellegrini's trust earned him a call-up to La Roja.
Crack Del Betis Praised Pellegrini After First Citation to the Spanish Team: "It Gave Me Confidence"
Marc Roca, midfielder of the Real Betis, received for the first time the call to the adult selection of Spain and did not hesitate to highlight the role that Manuel Pellegrini has played in his football recovery and at the level that today allows him to wear the shirt of the combined champion of the world. At 29 years old, the ... Continue reading "Crack del Betis praised Pellegrini after first citation to the Spanish team: "It gave me confidenc…
From the operating room to the Spain camp: the story of the Betis star that moved everyone to tears
It was not just an ordinary call-up to the national team, but a moment he had waited seven whole years for. This is how Marc Roca received his first call to join the Spain senior national team, turning years of patience and quiet work into one of the finest stories in Spanish football in 2026.
“It’s been a long way and I’ve earned to be here,” says the international midfielder of Betis at the Spanish team’s rally
Marc Roca: "It has been a long way to get to the selection and I value it much more"
"When it comes to you after so long working, you value it more," said the midfielder at Betis, who has found the reward a long way away.
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