Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has admitted that leaving Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata out of the country's World Cup squad was painful for him, but says it was solely a "footballing decision".
The 25-year-old was left out of the 23-member squad for the trip to Russia, with the coach opting for three other players in the form of Diego Costa, Rodrigo Moreno and Iago Aspas to fill the role.
The 51-year-old concedes that it was difficult and "painful" for him and the former Real Madrid player deserved to be there.
Finding the right balance was important, the coach insists, and for that three strikers were adequate and so Morata had to be omitted.
"They are tough moments for a player. It's not nice, he deserved to be here", Lopetegui said at a press conference.
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"I have the important opinion and it's painful, but I've made the decision.
"I've spoken with those I had to speak to, I'm not going to name anybody. I've had various doubts. To make a list of 23 is a difficult decision.
"We've opted for three other team-mates who have other conditions. Taking four players in that position is not something we wanted to do. It's a footballing decision.
"It's the most bitter taste to leave someone out. They deserve to be there but they couldn't get in. They helped us and they cannot be here. We have chosen those who can help us the most in this amazing adventure.
"Iago can play centrally and out wide, Rodrigo can play in three areas and always has a great attitude with the team. Diego Costa brings a lot of competitiveness."
Morata starred for Spain in the World Cup qualifying campaign, scoring five goals in as many appearances, but has suffered from fitness issues of late, affecting his form for his club Chelsea.
The Spaniard managed a total of 48 appearances for the Pensioners this season, scoring 15 goals and setting up six more goals for his team-mates.
