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Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has claimed that he "feels very English" and is more likely to play for England than Spain.

The Spaniard will qualify to play for England next summer under the five-year residency rule, and even admitted to developing an interest in British culture and history since moving to London.

With the likes of Iker Casillas, Jose Reina, Andres Palop and Victor Valdes ahead of him in the queue for the Spanish side, Almunia is resigned to never representing his homeland.

England, on the other hand, have a long-standing problem with the goalkeeper's position.

Current number one David James, 38, is error-prone, and his back-ups lack either experience or recent form.

"The opportunity is there and I'll follow it for as long as the possibility of playing for England remains open" he told The Sun. "I don't think playing for Spain is an option - they have enough keepers - it's not their biggest problem.

"If I got a British passport then I would be able to play for England and, at the moment, I feel very English.

"I am very happy living in this country. The people are always very welcoming and I have made many friends."

Almunia added that he has been swotting up on British culture which, if he applies for a UK passport, would be useful as he would need to pass a citizenship test first.

"I started off watching films, but have got more and more into the subject in the last few years," he said.

"I've read a lot of factual history books, watch documentaries and like to visit as many museums as I can. I think it's good to have an interest that's very different from football as our job is very intense and it can help for you to switch off, especially as a goalkeeper.

"The players are aware of my hobby, but haven't shown too much interest and let me get on with it. I don't know what they do when they go back to their rooms when we're away."

Reda Maher / Eurosport