David Silva: Of course, I'm older, but I don't have an expiry date FIFA World Cup 2018 - Spain Iran fixture will be Manchester City midfielder's 122nd cap

After a 3-3 draw against Portugal in their World Cup opener, Spain are looking towards a decisive clash with Iran next up and David Silva has discussed with MARCA the importance of doing well in Russia, given the 32-year-old's age.

Is your international retirement coming soon?

"As qualification for the tournament in Russia went on I have felt better and better. Of course, I'm older, but I don't have an expiry date. I'm not thinking about retirement and for as long as I feel this way I will continue to be available for selection. I've always been mentally strong, otherwise I wouldn't have been around this long, when I feel that I'm not contributing I'll raise my hand and say so."

It's been suggested that Spain only know how to win in their customary style, is this fair?

"Since 2008 we haven't changed our style, you change players but the way of playing remains the same. You have to adapt, even when you start working with a different coach."

How do you recall your international debut 12 years ago?

"Luis Aragones gave me everything. He called me up at 20 years old and put me in the team without hesitation. He gave me the confidence to play without caring about what was going on around me. Julen [Lopetegui] also showed incredible faith in me, I've been the most used player under him but now we're in a different situation."

What has changed from the David Silva we saw in 2006?

"I think I'm a better footballer now for all of my experience. You gain know-how from playing matches because every moment of a football match has its own rhythm. Knowing how to handle that is crucial, the more you play then the better you read games. I prefer the David Silva of 2018 because he's experienced a lot of top level football. The peace of mind that this brings is fundamental to success and I've played more than 120 matches with the national team."

What has changed with regards to the national team in that time?

"Many, many things, it's the way football works. Players and coaches change and you must adapt to everything."

What do you expect from this World Cup, do you think you can take it by storm as an individual?

"I don't feel that this has to be my moment. I'll do what I need to do, I've played for 12 years with this team and my international career has been fantastic with a lot of huge moments. Generations come and go and I've been lucky to be part of a winning one, we've achieved great things. I have nothing to complain about. With regards to Russia, I think the best thing would be to win another World Cup and to do this we need everyone to be playing well, not just one player as an individual."

Will this be your last World Cup?

"Do you see me in another World Cup? I'm enjoying playing football with the team at this moment but I don't believe I'll play at another World Cup."

How important is it for players in your position to end up contributing inside the penalty area?

"We must contribute in that aspect because we know there isn't a lot of space for the forwards, we must make goals. I have complied in this regard, I've made goals with ease, you must help your teammates. In a World Cup every moment is important and we all must contribute."

Has playing on the wing changed in your career?

"Playing in this role gives you more of an angle, it's easier because you have two options."

This year has been difficult for you on a personal level, has that made you stronger?

"I have always been strong. My mentality is just that way, that's why I've been around so long. What has helped me is to begin to look at life in a different way. My perspective of things has changed and I now place importance on things that really matter."

What has changed?

"In the end it's just your priorities which shift. There are things which may seem simple like being with your family and friends, I now place importance on small details more than before."

What has Guardiola changed in your style of play?

"I've always put in a big physical effort, I'm playing more centrally now. I have been evolving, Pep has put me in the middle and I'm more involved in matches."

What does it tell you when Manchester City have the most players in the World Cup?

"Well, it suggests that we're doing the right things. Pep has changed the team and made our rivals think more."

Which centre forward is more suited to a team that is so focused on passing?

"You have to adapt. We know Diego is better in space and that Aspas and Rodrigo come deeper to receive the ball, they are two different types of number nine. They are all great players, the same goes for the midfielders."