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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has admitted, in an interview with AS, that he tried to convince Sergio Busquets to continue with the Spanish national team.
"When I tried to convince him he had already taken his decision, you have to respect it," said De la Fuente.
"He has been the best defensive pivot ever seen and his legacy is impressive."
The new Spain coach picked out Rodri as the replacement for Busquets. Rodri played at centre-back in the World Cup but is a defensive midfielder with his club, Man City.
"I see him at pivot, with me he has always been pivot. It's true that he did well at centre-back and in some games he could be put there, but I always look for and want specialization and for me, he's a pivot. Since he was with the Villarreal youth team he's been a pivot for me."
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De la Fuente did not rule out a double pivot system with Rodri alongside "Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Zubimendi or Ceballos".