Michu´s First Presser as an International for La Selección

Miguel Pérez Cuesta, better known as Michu, gave his first press conference as a Spain player on Wednesday, ahead of La Roja's World Cup qualifier with Belarus on Friday, in which he could make his debut for the national side.

The Swansea striker said he was living "a dream" and spoke about the character of his former teammate at Rayo Vallecano, Diego Costa, who could soon be joining him in the national team once he gets his papers in order.

Costa does not have the most savoury of reputations, but Michu insisted: "He's a great lad."

Getting the call: “For any player, being called up for your country is the greatest honour. Wearing the shirt of Spain means wearing the shirt of the best team in the world. It's a dream come true for me, all the kids dream about this and I feel very privileged to have the opportunity. It's my greatest achievement."

Has the call come too late? "It's very difficult to get into this team. There are many players in Spain who have a lot of talent who haven't made it in. I think Del Bosque is a very fair person, and, bearing in mind how hard it must be to choose players, he has been fair."

What is Diego Costa like? “I've played with him for Rayo and Celta. As a footballer, he's in his prime. He's a great lad and I like him a lot. I don't know if he's going to play for Spain and I won't talk about a hypothetical situation, but I can tell you what he's like as a person: he's a good guy and he would have no problems fitting in here."

First sensations: “I have been leaning on Mata because I know him and he is also from Oviedo. The feeling you get when you put on this shirt, with the star above the badge, is indescribable. If I get given the chance to play, I will adapt to whatever role the boss tells me to play in."

Nerves about making his debut: "You are always nervous at first but when you start to play with footballers of this level, everything becomes much easier. I've come here to take advantage of this opportunity, enjoy the moment and help my teammates sew up qualification for the World Cup."