Isco has revealed that he was "very happy" to make the provisional Spain squad for Euro 2016, despite struggling to hold down a regular position in the Real Madrid XI this season.
Isco edged out the likes of Manchester United's Juan Mata and Arsenal's Santi Cazorla to make Vicente del Bosque's selection, and the 24-year-old is now targeting a spot in the final 23-man squad.
"I came to the locker room, looked at my phone and heard the news. I'm very happy and proud to be on the list, I was waiting eagerly and now I'm in it I'm very happy because it has been a difficult year, but thank God I'm there," AS quotes Isco as saying.
"I don't know if I'll be at the Euros because two will be left out, you never know, but I hope to help. I hope to contribute and that it goes as well as possible because that's the most important thing. Spain are the champions of the last two editions, we're the ones to beat.
"There are good teams and we are ready and eager to face this important challenge. We hope to bring home the trophy, even though it is difficult."
Isco has made 42 appearances for Real Madrid this season, but has struggled to edge out Brazilian midfielder Casemiro since Zinedine Zidane took control of first-team affairs at the Bernabeu.