PM wishes Spain luck

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy paid a visit to the national team on Friday ahead of their trip to Poland and Ukraine next week.

The 57-year-old politician met with every member of the 23-man squad as well as team boss Vicente del Bosque and Royal Spanish football president (RFEF) Angel Maria Villar.

The premier was also presented with a replica shirt by captain Iker Casillas and Del Bosque before wishing the team luck on their quest to defend their European title.

“We have achieved significant results in recent years. I was lucky to be in Vienna when (we) won the European Championship. (To) see people there in the street, and everywhere was comforting,” the Prime Minister told Marca.

“(If Spain win) I’m thinking many people will be happy. And that, in difficult times is always reassuring.

“(We) have a great team and great players here. Here’s a great group of friends. The Spanish people need a joy for the bad situation we are going through.

“A win in the Euros would be a great moral rush. Good luck to all.”

Spain begin the defence of their title with a Group C opener against Italy on June 10.