Long interview of him Vithene Ibora hosts the Match Program of tonight’s (21/9, 22:00) match between Olympiakos and Freiburg in “Karaiskakis”!
The experienced Spanish midfielder talked about his progress so far in the “red and whites”, the goals he has set for this season, while he also revealed details of his personal life!
What the Spanish midfielder said in detail:
On how he feels about returning to the Europa League group stage, a competition he has won four times: “I feel very excited. It is a very special event for me, in which I have experienced very beautiful moments and I want to repeat them again with Olympiacos. I am ambitious and willing to give my best to help the team and do a good job in this tournament”.
Which Europa League win did he celebrate the most and why:
“The first time was very special because it was the first time for me and I felt emotions unique until that moment. And the last one with Villarreal was very nice, because it was with a team from my country, it was the first time in the history of the club where a title was won. Everything was very special, especially because I saw so many happy people and for me this is the biggest reward: To enjoy together for a common success”.
On how he experiences his presence at Olympiakos: “My goal at Olympiakos on an individual level is to give my best for the club. Regardless of my age, which I understand can be a disadvantage for some people, the most important thing is my emotions and I feel very good physically and mentally.
I want to learn and get to know the history of the club, to help make it even bigger. I like to be recognised, committed and champion the club I’m at as much as possible. I would like the day I stop playing for Olympiakos, each of those who make up this family feel happy with my work and commitment”.
For his opinion on “Karaiskakis”: “It is a stadium with a special atmosphere and great fans. I still think I have a lot of games, derbies and important moments left to live, but it’s an honor and I feel privileged to be able to play and enjoy what every game is like at Karaiskakis”.
On what position he likes to play in: “I don’t care what position I play. What I want is to play and help wherever it is. I try to adapt to the position the coach needs and where I can help the team a lot. I’ve always liked to learn what to do if I have to play one position or another and be prepared for it. That’s why I think I can adapt to playing in different positions”.
On what is the best and worst moment of his career: “I was lucky enough to experience great moments. My debut in Primera Division, games in Europe, winning titles, games in big leagues or stadiums. Above all, getting to know and feeling the love of the clubs where I have played. The worst moment was the promotion failure with Levante last season. It would mean a lot to the club and the fans. We lost promotion at the last second and from a penalty”.
On what he thought when he was offered by Olympiakos and if he talked to anyone before making his final decision: “I felt it was a big challenge in my career. I spoke to some people, such as Mr. Antonio Cordon and Diego Martinez. I didn’t need to have more references than anyone else. Just with the courage and confidence they gave me, I felt I had to repay them by coming and giving my best for this club and for them. I was only thinking about helping Olympiacos become champions again, that’s my goal”.
On what is his opinion about this year’s Olympiacos team and what he thinks the team can achieve: “I feel very excited about many things I see every day. We are a young team and in my opinion we have a lot of room for improvement. I think the team has room to play in different ways, to adapt to all kinds of games, to play well with or without the ball. We have quality players, young and experienced, but above all we have a lot of ambition to work together every day and get better as time goes on. But without a doubt, for me the best is the great human group we have formed.
I am sure that this way we will overcome great obstacles and enjoy the good times together. I would like the team and the fans to be one. We know that we have our fans always loyal to us and we want to give them reasons to be proud of their players. For us they are another player and their help is essential. We must always be united, have a great spirit to achieve great goals. We can do it. To dream and believe that we are capable”.
On his favorite habit: “Waking up and having breakfast with my kids and my wife. To take them to school, to their training sessions. I share moments with my family and friends”.
Favorite food: “Paella Valentina”.
The song he has heard the most in his life: “Pero a tu lado, Los secretos”.
Favorite TV Series: “El Comisario”.
Favorite travel destination: “Any destination with a beach”.
What motivates him: “To be a better person, father, husband and friend every day”.
First thing he does when he wakes up: “I thank God that I wake up healthy, that I have my family, that I have and can devote myself to what I love most, football”.
The last thing he does before going to bed: “I pray and thank God again for everything”.
What never goes away: “Mobile phone”.
His Charm: “Rosary with an image of God and the Virgin Mary of my place”.
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
