Jony Ñíguez: “As a child I was from Madrid, but Saúl made me from Atleti”

Jonathan Ñíguez (Elche, 1985) is the oldest of three soccer brothers. The saga began with Boria, but Jony, Aaron and Saúl, especially, have polished the Ñíguez. Many know the Alcoyano pivot for being the brother of the Atlético star, but this Elche has many things to tell about his time at La Fábrica.

Many people do not know that you played for Madrid …

I was a year and a half. After my time at Valencia, I went to Madrid C, Third. There were Callejón, Nieto, Granero … I was on the verge of being promoted to Second B in the playoff. The following year, already a captain and one of the elders, he hoped to be part of Castilla. But it couldn't be and I had to go back to Madrid C. That bothered me, although months later I made my debut with Míchel in the subsidiary.

Why didn't you triumph at Madrid?

The main responsible was me. It is true that then they have to give you the opportunity and be in the right place at the right time. I did not have that opportunity. In the Madrid quarry you live like in a galaxy and you have to have your head well settled. Now I think about it and in some decisions I was not correct. Maybe I didn't value it properly, but I did know that it was in one of the best quarries in the world. But I think that decision not to go up to Castilla reduced my mood.

Did you have contact with the first team?

We played a couple of games against the first team and the truth is that in the recovery and hydrotherapy area we had a lot of contact with them. There were Guti, Cassano, Beckham, Robinho … Now I think about it and there were times when I was with Beckham's children in the hydrotherapy area.

Who was the most attentive?

Raúl, without a doubt. He always asked us and encouraged us.

And who was his reference?

Guti was a show, but my reference was Zidane. It was an example for me.

Well today it will be close …

We are going to live the game with enthusiasm and compete. I'm not much into T-shirts, but I sure want to immortalize that moment with Zidane.

What team were you on as a child?

I admit that when I was little I was from Madrid. But you are not on a team for life. With my brother Saúl at Atlético, I have been able to learn about his history and his values ​​and I have fallen in love. I feel very identified with Atlético.

He is 35 years old and a globetrotter, but many know him as Saul's brother …

It's a pride for me. I am very happy for his career and for all that he has achieved.

What did Saul tell you after the lottery?

He told me we had to go get them. I had the hope of measuring Saúl, but Cornellà eliminated them.

Is it your first time against a great?

Yes. This comes to me at 35 years old. I have had colleagues who have gotten the 'fat' two or three times almost in a row. I thought I must have some luck before retiring (laughs).

What options do they have to eliminate Madrid?

Our intention is that Madrid have a bad time. We know that El Collao, without people, is not the same. But this Alcoyano is fierce and strong.