Dani Estrada (Zarautz, 33 years old) wore the Real shirt in 139 games. One of the most special was, surely, the one that played against Granada in September 2011, when he scored a goal from the right side that led to the realistic victory. He remembers that hit with affection and trusts that the team will end the season “on the good wave”.
Surely Real-Granada this afternoon brings back good memories.
Yes. I scored a goal and we also won, which is the important thing. I hope Real gets it today.
It was in 2011, with a shot from the right wing that slipped over the goalkeeper. What do you remember of that goal?
The ball came to me and I tried to put it in the area, a little towards the goal. I had that lucky point and entered. The truth is that I got a good shot but above all, the important thing is that it served to win. It was one of the first games of the season and we were getting a bit stuck, so it was a joy.
How are you seeing the team now? Why has returning to competition choked you up?
It is a new situation for everyone and the little details can make a difference. They will have worked as before, but the mood influences a lot and the rivals also play. After the break it was difficult but I see the team better, they got the first victory and we hope they catch the good wave.
Point errors, arbitrations, injuries … All that enters the equation.
Yes, but for example, due to injuries, other players are entering. The template is very complete and also people from Sanse are appearing who are doing very well. That is great news. As a fan, I am very happy with the season.
Among those appearances is Martin Zubimendi. How do you see him?
I knew him from Sanse and he's a great player. In his first games in Primera he is giving the level. You never know when the opportunity will come and you are taking advantage of it.
What do you like most about the team?
I like everything. That speed before the break, how they attack, how they play the ball from behind … The players are giving a very high performance. Odegaard, Merino, Oyarzabal, but there are also Zubeldia, Zaldua … Everyone who enters contributes. It is a very complete team and the coach is doing things very well.
Do you see the team in Europe?
I am optimistic. I think they have already passed that bump in the beginning after confinement. But beyond that, you have to be very happy with the team. He is competing well and has reached the Cup final. The year has been very good.
Personally, a month ago, his non-continuity in the Royal Union was announced. What plans do you have?
I'm still disconnecting a little bit and listening to things. I honestly don't know if I will continue playing or not. If I get an option that I like, possibly I will continue, but if not I will focus on other things. Life goes on.
Were you surprised by the club's decision? This season he has played 26 games out of 28.
Since I arrived (January 2017) I have played practically everything. This year I have been very well physically. It is true that I was surprised, but the sports director and the new coach will have other ideas and I can only abide by them. They talked to me, at the moment I was surprised because I did not expect it but that's it. In soccer we are used to the fact that every year some continue and others do not. I am not much of looking back, a stage is ending and we have to continue.
Are you considering looking for something outside or looking for a team in these parts?
I consider anything. I'm 33 years old, going outside may be an option. I also have a family and we should all like it, but I don't rule anything out. And if nothing interesting comes out, you'll have to look at other things. In the end it is important to continue training. I'm taking off the title of coach. I have two courses and I want to get the third one. It's about moving forward.
In any case, he feels like he has football left in him.
I am physically well, and if something interesting comes out I would like to continue playing. That's what I like.
Dani Estrada was one of the architects of the ascent 10 years ago. “They are great memories. Especially in those last games, when we were already close. That was beautiful. Now that it is 10 years old, many experiences come to mind. “
Among them, the explosion of a crack: Antoine Griezmann. “From the first moment you could see that he had something special. I remember that it was his turn to go up in the preseason and he had already scored goals, in the League he started as a substitute but … You could tell he had something; that gift of opportunism for the goal, assistance. You didn't know where it was going to end but you could see that it had a lot of level. I'm glad for everything he's achieving. ”
Estrada, right back, had to face him in many training sessions. “Then Carlitos came too. Working with them makes you improve. In training, Griezmann was seen to do everything very naturally, everything went well for him. He was a newcomer and played like a veteran. “