'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
La Liga president Javier Tebas has revealed in an interview with AS that he would like to see Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney and David De Gea plying their trade in Spain. The Spanish top-flight is currently home to the two biggest stars on the planet, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Tebas is not entirely satisfied and wants additional stars in the league.
De Gea was close to a move to Real Madrid in the summer, but a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour on the Spanish transfer deadline day and the goalkeeper has since signed a new deal at Old Trafford. Whereas, his teammate and skipper Rooney has spent the last 11 years at Old Trafford since his move from Everton.
However, the LFP chief has revealed the Spanish competition is still missing a few big names and has pinpointed the United pair as stars he wished played in La Liga.
“I'd like to have seen Rooney play in Spain,” Tebas told in an interview on Monday.
“I'd like to have seen a Premier League icon play in our League, but there's also Ribery.”
“[David] De Gea is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and I wish he played in our League, regardless of who for.”
Madrid is responsible for Bale’s international presence: Tebas
The league boasts of more than a few star players including the likes of Neymar and Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez, who have adapted to life in La Liga. Tebas also believes Welshman Gareth Bale has been given more of an "international presence" since moving to Real Madrid in 2013.
“In light of how quickly they've [Neymar and James] adapted to a new environment, they've been a boost for the league,” he added.
“[Bale] has also been a big pull. He's a star of the highest level and having a big impact on Wales.”
“In addition, Madrid have helped Bale to have more of an international presence.”
Tebas hopes Messi recovers on time
The highly-anticipated El Clasico between Los Blancos and the Spanish champions will have the football world’s attention at the weekend. Messi, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since September, is struggling to get back to full fitness and Tebas is hoping the Argentinian features in the clash.
“Of course [I'd like to see Lionel Messi play in the Clasico],” Tebas said.
“As the league president and a fan, I wouldn't like to see my team beat a weakened team. It'd be bad news."
La Liga chief remains cool about Ronaldo, Messi exit
For the past weeks, Ronaldo has been hinting on a move away from the Bernabeu. On the other hand, rumours of his counterpart Messi seeking a new challenge has also been doing the rounds. When quizzed on all the rumours of the two biggest stars on planet possibly leaving Spain, Tebas simply chose to reply with a hint of sarcasm.
"Ronaldo and Messi have been supposed to leave at least twice in recent years," Tebas said.
