The ex azulgrana Victor Vazquezthe one that many assured in 87 that he was “the good one” of the generation of the Messi, Pique, Cesc and company, faces a new season in the MLS with the same enthusiasm and ambition as always. At 35 years old, the Barcelonan, who was already champion with Toronto, wants to repeat with a Galaxy which begins the season this Sunday and in which he shares a dressing room with ‘Chicharito’ and Douglas Costa
How are you?
Very happy, and more after having renewed (2023 + 1). And it is that my intention is to retire in this league. Thanks to Greg Vanney, who was my coach in Toronto, I’m here. He called me and offered me this opportunity. I did not look at the economic aspect. The Galaxy is the most important club in the MLS
He is 35 years old, how long can he see himself playing?
My intention is to continue. I see myself for at least two or three more years. If my knee respects me, I’m sure I’ll continue for at least a couple more years. I hope so, but of course, the president still tells me no, that he wants younger people…
What is the team’s goal this year?
Qualifying for the playoffs because last year we fell short. They eliminated us in the last minute of the last game. Here that is the most important thing. Then, of course, fight for the title. For me it would be incredible to win it for the second time after achieving it in 2017 with Toronto. We have a team. Douglas Costa has just arrived, a great signing that will bring us a lot. There is also ‘Chicharito’. They both have a goal.
Who do you have the most good vibes with in the locker room?
With ‘Chicharito’ we have made good friends. With Jonathan Dos Santos too but he has gone to America in Mexico. In short, I do a lot with Spanish-speakers: Jualián Araujo, Efraín Álvarez, Douglas Costa… We have connected through the language and we do things together beyond football
How is your life in LA?
I dedicate myself to training and taking care of myself. The temperature accompanies because it gives you to do many things. I live near the beach and I have a lot of interesting things nearby: Mexico, Las Vegas… I’m taking advantage of my days off to get away nearby. In the end I lead the typical life of a footballer. Take care of myself, be at home and enjoy this incredible city. In Qatar I already enjoyed the warmth, but it was too much. Here it is like in the Canary Islands: all winter we are between 15 and 25 degrees. Although I liked Toronto better for living, there is more quality of life in general. Here is a heavy mix of people. This is America
How would you summarize your career so far?
I’m very proud of what I’ve done because it hasn’t been easy due to injuries and especially the one in 2008 at Barça, which kept me out for a long time. Thanks to the effort, to what I have shown and to the help of everyone, I continue playing and showing the player that I am. It’s 13 years since the operation and I’m still playing
“Nothing has been easy, least of all the serious injury in 2008 at Barça”
In which team do you think you have given your best?
At Bruges, there I matured and became more professional. I left Barça and had not been regular and it was the first professional team where I was able to stand out and grow. I spent five years that have helped me to be who I am today. Barcelona is my home and the second is Bruges
Do you regret anything in your career?
No, but I know I’ve taken the wrong steps. Like going to Qatar at a time when I was in Toronto after winning it all and being highly regarded. But you’re getting older and you have a family. It was a good economic opportunity that you don’t know if it will come back. You are a humble footballer and you have to get out of your comfort zone. I wouldn’t erase the stage in Qatar, but it’s a step I didn’t take in the right direction
“I wouldn’t erase the stage in Qatar, but it’s a step I didn’t take in the right direction”
Don’t you miss having played in LaLiga?
No, nothing. I have no thorn stuck. In fact, I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for money but because I prefer to play abroad. When I retire, if I become a coach, it would also be out. I have learned a lot abroad. Languages, independence… Now I’m taking coaching courses. I would like to start with young people in some powerful academy in Spain and then, if I see that I am passionate about it, take a step and go abroad taking advantage of the contacts I have
Speaking of what was your home…How do you see Barça?
I always follow it. Xavi is giving him a fresh air. This will be a season of transition, I doubt that titles will be won and Xavi is going to have to put in all the chips and finish as well as possible. But the good thing is that the team has the idea and philosophy that had been lost. As a former youth squad, I’m glad that Xavi is here and that so many youth squads are playing at the same time. The last few years, for whatever reason, it wasn’t happening. Good players, if you take care of them and give them options, you have them at home
Does Ansu Fati remind you of what you experienced?
Ansu has it all, he is a special and different player. But in the end, injuries are what he has, they are complicated things. There are already two operations that he has gone through, I think, and for being so young, Barça will be worried, but they will know how to wait for the moment. I don’t think they’re going to get rid of it
What would be your fixed in the center of the field?
I see Sergio Busquets fixed even if they criticize him for his age. You have to remember that he has been the best in his position for 11 years. Then I love Pedri and I would put Nico or Gavi. You have to give them that confidence so that they believe they are going to be the new Xavi, Iniesta or Busquets. You see that mud for home. With this change of cycle and the economic situation that the club is experiencing, these kids deserve a chance. It is time for La Masia to return
“It’s time for La Masia to return, these kids deserve this opportunity”
In your opinion, what happens to Messi?
You can’t be happy where you are. Leaving your home and your comfort zone is not easy. He doesn’t play with that enthusiasm and motivation, no matter how much there is a piece of the team behind him and that he has great teammates. He is a Barça player and Barça made a mistake a couple of years ago in not giving him what he asked for. But there are circumstances in which he did not enter. Messi got tired but he knows that he will never be anywhere better than here
“Messi cannot be happy where he is; he knows that he will never be in a better place than here”
Do you see him coming back?
No, not as a player. Like something else yes. Like Guardiola, Xavi, Iniesta… They are players who have marked an era and I think they will return
When do you plan to return to Barcelona?
At the end of October or beginning of November, which is when we will be MLS champions (laughs). The Galaxy have already spent seven years without winning anything and there is some pressure. If he sees me before in Barcelona, it will be bad news (laughs again)