Pere Milla: “Saving us would give me more rush than promotion”

Pere Milla (Lleida, 1992) has a duende. The Elche striker has been touched by a wand for a year. Since he scored the promotion goal in the 96th minute in Girona, all eyes have fallen on him. Many see him again as the green-franj savior. Family, friends and fans repeat it endlessly. Everyone believes that he will score the goal of permanence against Athletic and will magnify his legend as a scorer in historic events for Elche. The 'angel' franjiverde analyzes the last day with AS.

How are those nerves?

We are looking forward to Saturday. We only think about beating Athletic.

You said a long time ago that Elche was left for a while and that no one should give them up for dead …

It is that we have shown that we are a competitive team. We have always stood up and made it to the last day alive. We all would have signed them the day we were promoted to First.

But they are in the hands of others …

That also happened to us before playing the playoff for promotion to First Division and we all know the outcome. Football is capricious and we are going to try it.

They expect a favor from Valencia …

The first thing to do is beat Athletic. If we don't, we'll need a stratospheric carom. Later, we will look at other fields. In Cádiz I did not find out about the rest of the results until the final whistle. For this reason, I only think about beating Athletic.

Did you really not hear anything during the game?

I'm serious. All I knew was that we were losing at half-time and we were in the well.

What percentage of salvation do you think they have if they beat Athletic?

Very high. That is why I see it vital to win our game and then look at the other field. Hopefully the joy is ours.

In the other field is Pacheta …

We know that he did great things with Elche and that's it. We do not have to think about anything else because if we are not focused on our thing it will be more difficult.

Surely he regrets the points that escaped in the last days …

There is no use thinking about those points. We must be very clear about who we are and we know that Elche has to suffer every game. After the game against Alavés I had a hard time, but looking back is useless.

He does not wait for an Athletic or even Valencia on vacation …

No way. Here we are all professionals and they will want to win their game. The clearest example we have with Valencia and the match against Eibar last weekend.

You were already the hero of the promotion. Can you imagine scoring the goal of permanence?

Many people have told me and I only answer that I want Elche to be saved. I don't care who scores the goal, as if the referee or Antonio (the press officer) did. I imagine celebrating salvation at 8:00 p.m. I'm not going to deny that it would be nice, but it doesn't make me lose sleep. I want to save myself.

And with an audience at the Martínez Valero …

The last time we played at home with the public was against Numancia and we won 2-0. We like that result. We hope they encourage us and we are all together.

A salvation or a promotion. What gives the most high?

It's different, but I think a stay would give me more high. The ascent is over and now you have to save yourself.

There is talk that Huesca de Pacheta competes well, but you have done it too …

I agree. We have always competed very well, but the set pieces have failed us. In top-level football that makes a difference for you and it is decided by details. I don't think we paid for the hazing, but it did weigh us down.

He is identified with the club and has a contract. Will you see yourself here next year?

Sure. I'm very happy in the city and at the club and it shows.

Finished. What would you do if you are saved?

Last year I promised to get a tattoo and I am terrified of needles. I made myself a palm tree and a 96 (the minute of the goal he scored in Girona and which led to promotion). I'll do something to myself (laughs).