Tebas wants Rooney, De Gea in La Liga

LFP president Javier Tebas has revealed it’s his dream to see Premier League superstars Wayne Rooney and David De Gea plying their trade in Spain, as well as Bayern Munich and France winger Franck Ribery.

La Liga currently counts the two biggest stars on the planet, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, among its ranks, as well as the player many believe will soon be the world’s best, Neymar.

The league also boasts greats such as Wales’ Gareth Bale and Colombia’s James Rodriguez, however Tebas has revealed the Spanish competition is still missing a few big names.

“I’d like to have seen Rooney play in Spain,” Tebas told AS 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.”

The recent additions of Neymar, who joined Barcelona in the summer of 2013, and Rodriguez, who moved to Real Madrid after a sensational World Cup 2014 campaign, have boosted the league’s profile in Latin America considerably.

“Definitely,” Tebas said, confirming their impact across the Atlantic. “In light of how quickly they’ve adapted to a new environment, they’ve been a boost for the league.

“[Gareth 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.”

The much-anticipated Clasico between Barcelona and Real will have the football world’s attention at the weekend. Messi, who has been sidelined since Sept. 26 with a knee injury, is struggling to get fit for the match. Tebas is pulling for the Argentine to recover in time.

“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.”

Rumours have linked Ronaldo away from the Madrid giants in recent weeks. Tebas, however, was cool on the speculation.

“Ronaldo and Messi have been supposed to leave at least twice in recent years,” Tebas said.

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