It is the pearl of the quarry of Zubieta. A different footballer who faces his second season with ambition in First with only 18 years. In the week of the start of the league, it has been SER Deportivos Gipuzkoa to talk about the coronavirus league and the change of David Silva by Ødegaard, with whom he had a very good relationship in the Real.
Q. How do you feel about the blow you suffered against Villarreal in the preseason?
R. Well, already recovered from the blow and wanting to start the league. I am ready for Imanol to choose me on the first day.
It is going to be a rare season with the coronavirus, because no one is free to be infected no matter how well they take care of themselves …
Nobody is exempt from catching the bug because anyone close to you can pass it on to you, for example my parents because they are going to go out to do the shopping, the truth is that it is a move and that is why we are waiting to see which players can count on the coach for the Valladolid game. It is all an uncertainty.
They have the example in Zubieta, because Real has been affected a lot in the preseason …
It has been a strange preseason, many team players have helped us and the truth is that we can only pray not to catch the bug and be able to have a great season.
Are you afraid of being infected and losing several games?
In the end I try to do everything naturally, but you always have to be alert in case there is any risk area, you try not to leave the house so much and keep your distance with the people you are, but you can't go crazy because you don't know when or where you can catch it.
In La Real, yes, they take extreme precautions with a very strict protocol …
Yes Yes. So says the protocol. We cannot shower, eat, or have breakfast in Zubieta. We go, train and return home.
Coronavirus aside, how do you face your second season in First? He is no longer the newcomer …
I am looking forward to it because it is my second year in the first team, I have more confidence with my teammates and coaches, the truth is that I am looking forward to it. I hope to have a great year, have a lot more minutes and have more continuity. If I succeed, that will help me progress as a player.
Are you ready to take that next step?
Yes, I think I'm ready. I have had a good preseason. And I am very confident to face the league with everything I have.
But of course he is still very young, he is only 18 years old, and we do not stop talking about his future, quality … Doesn't that mean extra pressure for him?
No, it goes. When I go to the field I forget all that. I try to do what I know and help the team to win the games. The pressure that they are watching me or that they expect a lot from me does not have to affect me, because but at the first change, when we have big games like the Cup final or the Super Cup, the pressure will kill me there. So I don't think about that.
The feeling from the outside is that he is more settled, he is no longer a child, he looks more mature. Despite his youth.
Yes, I think I have taken a step in maturity, that's how I feel, I feel more comfortable and confident with my teammates, and that makes you have more confidence in the field, and that's what I think will come out of my this season.
Doesn't it make you dizzy to have a season ahead with five competitions?
No no, the other way around. I see it as a great opportunity, there are many games and that means that there will be minutes for all the players. We will all have to be prepared to go out and give the bell. I face the season more with ambition than with vertigo. We have an incredible squad, with two good players per position. There is an impressive level in this template. We have a broader staff.
How did you stay with Ødegaard's return to Real Madrid?
I remember that in the last game last year against Atlético I made a couple of jokes and asked him if he would stay. And he told me that in principle yes, that he would continue. And I took it for granted, so when I found out that he was leaving, I was very disappointed. Just wish him good luck at Real Madrid, because he has earned it.
He is a type of player who makes himself loved …
Well yes, he is a very nice guy, very normal, very professional. He always spoke to you in good manners, with a smile and good humor, an incredible companion.
But Ødegaard leaves and David Silva arrives. Magic does not lose the Real playmaker.
Yes, the truth is that signing is crazy. He has won everything and I think he will bring an extra point, both on and off the field. Because of his experience he can help a lot to people like us, or like Roberto López, who plays in his position. We will be able to evolve much more with your help.
What does it mean for you to be able to play with a player like Silva at Real?
(Sighs) I don't know, I have no words to describe it. To be able to play with people like that is incredible and I am very grateful.
Now close your eyes and tell me with what sole for this new season …
Well, I have no doubts, I want to win a title with Real, it is what I have dreamed of since I was little and this year I can do it. I have no other goal for this season.