1 00:00:09,400 --> 00:00:12,559 This is 2 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:15,639 195 3 00:00:15,639 --> 00:00:18,480 million 4 00:00:22,925 --> 00:00:24,945 [music] 5 00:00:29,475 --> 00:00:31,495 [music] 6 00:00:34,060 --> 00:00:36,080 [music] 7 00:00:46,440 --> 00:00:48,199 Well, Mikel, good afternoon. many 8 00:00:48,199 --> 00:00:49,879 thanks for having me. The truth is 9 00:00:49,879 --> 00:00:51,199 a pleasure to return to what has been my 10 00:00:51,199 --> 00:00:54,120 house. I haven't been back for many years 11 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:57,359 since my last call in 2014 and 12 00:00:57,359 --> 00:01:00,039 the truth is to stir again 13 00:01:00,039 --> 00:01:03,120 memories and it's nice to come back, right? where 14 00:01:03,120 --> 00:01:06,760 You have lived such beautiful moments. So 15 00:01:06,760 --> 00:01:08,880 nothing, I really want to come here and 16 00:01:08,880 --> 00:01:11,240 to have a football conversation 17 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:12,040 with you. 18 00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:14,640 Thanks to you for coming closer. 19 00:01:14,640 --> 00:01:16,240 Yes. Hey, I want you to tell me a little 20 00:01:16,240 --> 00:01:18,600 How did you get started in football? 21 00:01:18,600 --> 00:01:20,680 right? Your your childhood. 22 00:01:20,680 --> 00:01:24,240 I am from Ivar, from a small town 23 00:01:24,240 --> 00:01:27,240 which is not as big as Bilbao or 24 00:01:27,240 --> 00:01:29,159 like Donosti. 25 00:01:29,159 --> 00:01:32,880 And nothing, then you start 26 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:36,880 playing soccer at school, in the Plaza 27 00:01:36,880 --> 00:01:38,759 of the People, on any afternoon, 28 00:01:38,759 --> 00:01:41,560 any weekend there was a 29 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:45,240 for a little while the goals were set up with 30 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:46,920 two backpacks, with two Gersis, I think 31 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:50,240 as many of us have done 32 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:54,079 We can be here today and nothing, little by little 33 00:01:54,079 --> 00:01:58,360 little you grow, you leave you leave 34 00:01:58,360 --> 00:01:59,119 doing 35 00:01:59,119 --> 00:02:02,360 greater and and at the moment in which already 36 00:02:02,360 --> 00:02:04,399 you have to decide or opt for a 37 00:02:04,399 --> 00:02:07,240 for a sport, well that's when when 38 00:02:07,240 --> 00:02:10,720 I choose football, I start at the EAR. 39 00:02:10,720 --> 00:02:12,560 At what age do you start at the EAR? 40 00:02:12,560 --> 00:02:17,239 When I was 12 years old, I started there. 41 00:02:17,239 --> 00:02:17,840 Fingerlings. 42 00:02:17,840 --> 00:02:19,160 Yes, I also started with 12 in the 43 00:02:19,160 --> 00:02:19,840 Athletic. Yes, 44 00:02:19,840 --> 00:02:22,480 That's because now things are changing a lot. 45 00:02:22,480 --> 00:02:24,640 and now from many younger years, 46 00:02:24,640 --> 00:02:27,080 but but before that when I was 12 years old 47 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:28,640 we start. 48 00:02:28,640 --> 00:02:30,800 I was 49 00:02:30,800 --> 00:02:35,720 4 years in Evar and then at 15 16 50 00:02:35,720 --> 00:02:38,840 There I left for Donosti, for 51 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:41,040 youth cadet last year of cadet 52 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:42,560 Basque cadetship. You take the Real. 53 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:44,519 I'm going to Real. 54 00:02:44,519 --> 00:02:48,360 I'm there two years and I become cuo 55 00:02:48,360 --> 00:02:51,040 months transferred to ALAR. I didn't know. 56 00:02:51,040 --> 00:02:53,920 I return for four months on loan to Eivar 57 00:02:53,920 --> 00:02:58,239 January to April to play with a category 58 00:02:58,239 --> 00:02:58,959 top. 59 00:02:58,959 --> 00:03:00,040 Aha. 60 00:03:00,040 --> 00:03:01,680 and 61 00:03:01,680 --> 00:03:03,319 the Eivar at that time because it was in 62 00:03:03,319 --> 00:03:06,640 a bad situation and to search a little 63 00:03:06,640 --> 00:03:08,519 salvation and such. 64 00:03:08,519 --> 00:03:10,640 The truth is that it was a very four months. 65 00:03:10,640 --> 00:03:12,959 very good. Hey, it changed me too 66 00:03:12,959 --> 00:03:16,360 very much the fact of going every day 67 00:03:16,360 --> 00:03:17,959 to San Sebastian. As I had to go, 68 00:03:17,959 --> 00:03:20,400 Well, I kept going for a day or two, but 69 00:03:20,400 --> 00:03:21,760 then I also had to train with my 70 00:03:21,760 --> 00:03:24,840 team, which at that time was and and 71 00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:26,360 I was at home a lot more, a lot 72 00:03:26,360 --> 00:03:30,319 closer everything. And well, it went well. we 73 00:03:30,319 --> 00:03:32,760 we save I personally also 74 00:03:32,760 --> 00:03:35,599 It was very good and the experience too 75 00:03:35,599 --> 00:03:38,879 of living and sharing with another 76 00:03:38,879 --> 00:03:40,680 people who with people much older than 77 00:03:40,680 --> 00:03:42,400 I, at that time there were people 78 00:03:42,400 --> 00:03:46,040 when I was 18, 19 years old and I was 16, well 79 00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:49,439 also live that change, I believe 80 00:03:49,439 --> 00:03:52,159 that was very good for me and I keep it 81 00:03:52,159 --> 00:03:53,079 very positive way, 82 00:03:53,079 --> 00:03:55,680 already. And from there you then do that 83 00:03:55,680 --> 00:03:57,400 period in Ivar and you return to Real, 84 00:03:57,400 --> 00:03:57,799 right? 85 00:03:57,799 --> 00:03:59,799 Then there I go back to Real to Youth 86 00:03:59,799 --> 00:04:01,519 Honor Division, being second year 87 00:04:01,519 --> 00:04:02,840 yet. Yes. 88 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:04,599 And nothing, [snort] I do that year in the 89 00:04:04,599 --> 00:04:07,599 that we are doing very well and then the year 90 00:04:07,599 --> 00:04:10,319 Next is when they call me to 91 00:04:10,319 --> 00:04:11,560 do the preseason with the first 92 00:04:11,560 --> 00:04:12,319 team. And 93 00:04:12,319 --> 00:04:13,480 Are you already debuting that year? 94 00:04:13,480 --> 00:04:14,799 And that year I debuted today. 95 00:04:14,799 --> 00:04:16,519 That is, being already a third-year youth. 96 00:04:16,519 --> 00:04:19,560 Third year Juil, still 18 years old. 97 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:21,199 18 with 18 years old, right? 98 00:04:21,199 --> 00:04:24,960 Yes. And that year I am in the first months 99 00:04:24,960 --> 00:04:27,759 going up and down with the first team 100 00:04:27,759 --> 00:04:31,080 and Sane. And when there is the change of 101 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:33,680 coach comes Eusebio and from 102 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:35,720 January now, well, I'm practically left with 103 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:37,880 the first team and playing. And 104 00:04:37,880 --> 00:04:40,479 that is, you debut or you stay, you stay now 105 00:04:40,479 --> 00:04:42,199 in the first team before debuting? 106 00:04:42,199 --> 00:04:44,199 No, I'm going up and down, 107 00:04:44,199 --> 00:04:44,560 already 108 00:04:44,560 --> 00:04:47,320 I still debut and everything. There is still someday 109 00:04:47,320 --> 00:04:49,600 I still have to play with him 110 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:53,000 subsidiary and that starting in January, there already 111 00:04:53,000 --> 00:04:54,560 is when more or less December, January 112 00:04:54,560 --> 00:04:56,000 I now enter with the first team and I 113 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,000 I stayed there. 114 00:04:57,000 --> 00:04:59,199 How were you handling the situation of going up? 115 00:04:59,199 --> 00:05:01,800 go down? Know? Because many times you are 116 00:05:01,800 --> 00:05:04,039 in B, but you go up, you go down again, 117 00:05:04,039 --> 00:05:07,240 eh, you can have expectations now 118 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,039 stay and suddenly they make you again 119 00:05:09,039 --> 00:05:11,720 go down to B. How were you handling that 120 00:05:11,720 --> 00:05:14,680 moment? The truth is that with much 121 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:17,560 naturalness and I think that perhaps my 122 00:05:17,560 --> 00:05:20,840 way of being and my way of acting and 123 00:05:20,840 --> 00:05:23,759 how I was 10 years ago, which is the same 124 00:05:23,759 --> 00:05:25,319 very different from how I am now, because I think 125 00:05:25,319 --> 00:05:26,960 That helped me, right? 126 00:05:26,960 --> 00:05:29,039 I was doing what they told me, what they 127 00:05:29,039 --> 00:05:30,039 played, 128 00:05:30,039 --> 00:05:31,680 without making much noise, trying 129 00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:33,919 fulfill, whether in one place or another, 130 00:05:33,919 --> 00:05:34,400 yeah, 131 00:05:34,400 --> 00:05:37,919 and also trying to understand the 132 00:05:37,919 --> 00:05:40,280 situation of the subsidiary people, who 133 00:05:40,280 --> 00:05:42,000 In the end there is still a week in which 134 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:44,039 you are not with them and the end comes 135 00:05:44,039 --> 00:05:46,280 week and it was your turn to play too, now. 136 00:05:46,280 --> 00:05:50,600 So, well, uh, trying not to do 137 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,160 much more noise than when he played in the 138 00:05:53,160 --> 00:05:56,280 field do what was asked and and 139 00:05:56,280 --> 00:05:59,039 Well, the truth is that it went well. 140 00:05:59,039 --> 00:06:01,199 Were you already aware at that moment that 141 00:06:01,199 --> 00:06:03,080 Could the opportunity come soon? 142 00:06:03,080 --> 00:06:06,000 What's up, what's up. then. 143 00:06:06,000 --> 00:06:08,479 Well me personally 144 00:06:08,479 --> 00:06:11,160 I wouldn't have imagined then everything that 145 00:06:11,160 --> 00:06:15,560 I had to live later. It happened to me 146 00:06:15,560 --> 00:06:17,319 something similar, but well, I was in 147 00:06:17,319 --> 00:06:20,400 the B and well, I mean, I wasn't 148 00:06:20,400 --> 00:06:21,840 aware, right?, that I had to 149 00:06:21,840 --> 00:06:23,840 the possibility of 150 00:06:23,840 --> 00:06:25,240 debut with the first team, right? Or 151 00:06:25,240 --> 00:06:27,479 Well, it's something you don't think about and suddenly 152 00:06:27,479 --> 00:06:30,639 One day comes, right? And at that time 153 00:06:30,639 --> 00:06:32,800 injured Urth and 154 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:35,160 and while I was training one morning, well 155 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:36,840 They came to say that the next day 156 00:06:36,840 --> 00:06:38,919 that he debuted with the first team and 157 00:06:38,919 --> 00:06:40,720 Besides, I was going to be put on 158 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:43,160 headline, right? Then suddenly it is 159 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:46,599 It's like I didn't freak out, right? Eh, of 160 00:06:46,599 --> 00:06:48,560 truth, I'm going to have the 161 00:06:48,560 --> 00:06:50,280 opportunity to debut with the first 162 00:06:50,280 --> 00:06:52,840 equipment. which is like that, that is, many times 163 00:06:52,840 --> 00:06:54,800 overnight everything changes and 164 00:06:54,800 --> 00:06:58,520 and many times it is due to a bad 165 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:00,120 circumstance of a companion, of a 166 00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:01,680 injury or something that could have happened, 167 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:02,840 but 168 00:07:02,840 --> 00:07:04,479 It's also about being in that moment. 169 00:07:04,479 --> 00:07:05,800 and have that point of luck that 170 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:06,479 touch. 171 00:07:06,479 --> 00:07:07,759 That's it, I don't know, Viu, because there may be 172 00:07:07,759 --> 00:07:09,160 some that the same, what I know, occurs 173 00:07:09,160 --> 00:07:12,160 realize that he is close or that they can 174 00:07:12,160 --> 00:07:13,800 give the possibility soon, what do I know, 175 00:07:13,800 --> 00:07:14,879 but I remember that it wasn't 176 00:07:14,879 --> 00:07:16,720 aware, right?, that I could 177 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:20,400 touch and so suddenly it came and and the 178 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:21,960 importance of being prepared 179 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:23,520 Also, right?, for when it arrives. 180 00:07:23,520 --> 00:07:25,080 Yes, I think it is better not to 181 00:07:25,080 --> 00:07:27,080 have that extra pressure that you can 182 00:07:27,080 --> 00:07:29,800 make yourself think what it will be, 183 00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:32,080 but you be with that, with your head in 184 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:33,319 what you have to be, that in that 185 00:07:33,319 --> 00:07:35,000 moment because it is the subsidiary 186 00:07:35,000 --> 00:07:37,000 and if the opportunity comes many times 187 00:07:37,000 --> 00:07:40,000 without thinking about it, well better. I was little, 188 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:42,199 The truth is that, well, seeing the 189 00:07:42,199 --> 00:07:43,360 players play in the first division, 190 00:07:43,360 --> 00:07:45,120 well I said, well yes, I want to get to 191 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:47,080 play in the first division and when I 192 00:07:47,080 --> 00:07:49,960 Atleti signed, because my dream was 193 00:07:49,960 --> 00:07:53,080 debut someday in semamés, right? And and 194 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:57,280 The truth is that I remember the debut 195 00:07:57,280 --> 00:08:00,240 Well, something incredible, right? Furthermore it was 196 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,840 as a starter, eh, it was against Spanish, 197 00:08:03,840 --> 00:08:04,879 It was the first game of the second 198 00:08:04,879 --> 00:08:08,919 back home and at that time I 199 00:08:08,919 --> 00:08:10,240 marked, notice that later it was my 200 00:08:10,240 --> 00:08:12,560 coach Mauricio Pochetino. 201 00:08:12,560 --> 00:08:15,080 I remember a lot about the debut because 202 00:08:15,080 --> 00:08:17,000 It was the first game and I have a 203 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:19,639 I remember very very good, but maybe it was 204 00:08:19,639 --> 00:08:21,479 three days later when I had the 205 00:08:21,479 --> 00:08:24,120 opportunity in the cup that I did hattrick 206 00:08:24,120 --> 00:08:27,440 against Lanzarote and that was a little 207 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:29,240 the boom, right? 208 00:08:29,240 --> 00:08:32,560 Yes, that is one of those games that you 209 00:08:32,560 --> 00:08:35,240 They also help with confidence and 210 00:08:35,240 --> 00:08:38,000 well, let's get people excited 211 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:42,560 with a young promise, right? In the end you 212 00:08:42,560 --> 00:08:45,880 you dream of playing first class 213 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:48,200 division, but of course, we get to play 214 00:08:48,200 --> 00:08:49,360 in the selection because I had not been 215 00:08:49,360 --> 00:08:51,959 passed through the head. Hey, win a 216 00:08:51,959 --> 00:08:53,600 World Cup, a European Championship, because it is something that 217 00:08:53,600 --> 00:08:55,880 I think it is something so difficult, that 218 00:08:55,880 --> 00:08:58,000 It's so far away that I don't think anyone knows 219 00:08:58,000 --> 00:08:59,680 Imagine, right? Or no one thinks about it since 220 00:08:59,680 --> 00:09:00,720 child. 221 00:09:00,720 --> 00:09:01,920 I don't know if any 222 00:09:01,920 --> 00:09:03,279 It is clear that there are surely some who 223 00:09:03,279 --> 00:09:06,200 he thinks about it and dreams about it, but he dreams while dreaming 224 00:09:06,200 --> 00:09:07,600 big, very big. 225 00:09:07,600 --> 00:09:09,480 Hey, and changing the subject a little, how 226 00:09:09,480 --> 00:09:13,839 Did you experience the 2024 Euro Cup? Well, huh 227 00:09:13,839 --> 00:09:16,680 For me, I think I've done it at some point. 228 00:09:16,680 --> 00:09:21,000 said, but as a global experience and 229 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:22,959 days at the end of being a month and a half 230 00:09:22,959 --> 00:09:24,920 together, for me it has been one of the 231 00:09:24,920 --> 00:09:28,959 more beautiful experiences and obviously 232 00:09:28,959 --> 00:09:31,760 when the result is also 233 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:36,200 Positive, it helps more, right? but no 234 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:38,560 I know, the group, everything that was created in 235 00:09:38,560 --> 00:09:40,800 around the selection, 236 00:09:40,800 --> 00:09:42,480 when I think we came from a time in 237 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:44,079 which maybe people don't either 238 00:09:44,079 --> 00:09:47,519 I was completely excited about what 239 00:09:47,519 --> 00:09:51,000 that was the selection, I think 240 00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:54,200 something very special was created and what we have 241 00:09:54,200 --> 00:09:56,880 spoken inside the locker room too, 242 00:09:56,880 --> 00:09:59,880 that group, that union that existed, 243 00:09:59,880 --> 00:10:02,519 I don't know, I keep a very very memory 244 00:10:02,519 --> 00:10:04,800 nice and and now thinking that we were 245 00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:08,440 45 days practically without seeing family 246 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:11,079 or seeing them very little. Now it seems to me 247 00:10:11,079 --> 00:10:12,720 They almost seemed short to me. 248 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:15,519 Already. and then you feel 249 00:10:15,519 --> 00:10:17,240 you are quite isolated, you are not a 250 00:10:17,240 --> 00:10:19,480 little aware of what one is doing 251 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:22,480 forming outside, right? Spain, 252 00:10:22,480 --> 00:10:25,279 right? That's all you are 253 00:10:25,279 --> 00:10:27,399 generating with what you are doing. 254 00:10:27,399 --> 00:10:30,279 Eh, in the end you are in Germany there in a 255 00:10:30,279 --> 00:10:32,560 lost place, in a forest that 256 00:10:32,560 --> 00:10:34,279 that we had our place there 257 00:10:34,279 --> 00:10:36,079 peace of mind too 258 00:10:36,079 --> 00:10:39,240 but until you manage to win and 259 00:10:39,240 --> 00:10:41,519 you come to Madrid for the 260 00:10:41,519 --> 00:10:44,360 celebration, you are not aware of 261 00:10:44,360 --> 00:10:46,440 everything behind 262 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:48,639 of the selection. I think that you 263 00:10:48,639 --> 00:10:50,399 The same thing happened a little, especially in 264 00:10:50,399 --> 00:10:52,560 the world cup, the truth is that we were 265 00:10:52,560 --> 00:10:56,120 hey like you say, right? Hey, 266 00:10:56,120 --> 00:10:58,320 in a place where only we were 267 00:10:58,320 --> 00:11:00,839 and in the end you do not receive information or 268 00:11:00,839 --> 00:11:04,519 little information from outside and well you are not 269 00:11:04,519 --> 00:11:06,279 aware of what is forming in 270 00:11:06,279 --> 00:11:08,320 Spain until you arrive in Spain and 271 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:11,360 You see the one that has been set up, right? but what 272 00:11:11,360 --> 00:11:13,360 What you say about the group is important, 273 00:11:13,360 --> 00:11:16,240 right? From the union of the locker room 274 00:11:16,240 --> 00:11:17,519 What did you have, right? I think it's a little 275 00:11:17,519 --> 00:11:20,000 the key to success. Yes, for me without 276 00:11:20,000 --> 00:11:23,200 doubt, because when things are going well and 277 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:26,279 when everything is easy, 278 00:11:26,279 --> 00:11:30,440 well maybe eh it's not that important or is it 279 00:11:30,440 --> 00:11:32,160 easier to lead that group, although not 280 00:11:32,160 --> 00:11:33,959 is completely united, but when the 281 00:11:33,959 --> 00:11:36,760 things go wrong and when the 282 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:39,040 thing doesn't go the way you want, having that 283 00:11:39,040 --> 00:11:41,399 bond, that group, having the 284 00:11:41,399 --> 00:11:43,320 opportunity to, what do I know, go where 285 00:11:43,320 --> 00:11:44,760 any of the team and power 286 00:11:44,760 --> 00:11:46,680 ask, be able to speak, be able to ask 287 00:11:46,680 --> 00:11:49,959 anything. I think that's what 288 00:11:49,959 --> 00:11:52,440 makes you then in bad moments that 289 00:11:52,440 --> 00:11:54,399 They are going to hit the field, so you can throw 290 00:11:54,399 --> 00:11:56,000 also anyone's hand. 291 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:57,360 The truth is that it was incredible. I was 292 00:11:57,360 --> 00:12:00,800 also there watching and 293 00:12:00,800 --> 00:12:02,880 You played at an impressive level. I 294 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:04,760 surprise 295 00:12:04,760 --> 00:12:07,279 the young players eh, with less 296 00:12:07,279 --> 00:12:10,160 experience of having played a phase 297 00:12:10,160 --> 00:12:12,320 final with a Euro Cup, the self-confidence, 298 00:12:12,320 --> 00:12:15,040 eh it seems like they were playing as if 299 00:12:15,040 --> 00:12:17,360 They didn't have any kind of pressure, right? 300 00:12:17,360 --> 00:12:21,639 Hey, Lamí, Nico, I mean, many, right? but 301 00:12:21,639 --> 00:12:22,920 especially those two who were super 302 00:12:22,920 --> 00:12:25,839 young people, that is, it seemed to me 303 00:12:25,839 --> 00:12:28,440 Yes, I believe that the group, the mist, the 304 00:12:28,440 --> 00:12:29,800 staff, I think they also did their 305 00:12:29,800 --> 00:12:32,079 I work there in 306 00:12:32,079 --> 00:12:34,600 those young people that you say you contribute to them 307 00:12:34,600 --> 00:12:36,560 that point of tranquility, of taking away 308 00:12:36,560 --> 00:12:39,440 that pressure from above, to make 309 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:42,079 play and do what you know without 310 00:12:42,079 --> 00:12:45,120 matter the context, which in the end 311 00:12:45,120 --> 00:12:46,720 many times if you stop to think about 312 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:51,079 where you are is when that fear comes in 313 00:12:51,079 --> 00:12:53,000 or that anguish of seeing if things don't 314 00:12:53,000 --> 00:12:55,800 They come out fine, but I think they were in a 315 00:12:55,800 --> 00:12:58,959 very very good environment for them to put 316 00:12:58,959 --> 00:13:01,079 available to everyone because everything 317 00:13:01,079 --> 00:13:02,519 What they have, which is outrageous. 318 00:13:02,519 --> 00:13:05,480 And the importance of the players, 319 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:07,000 like for example you in the Eurocup, which 320 00:13:07,000 --> 00:13:09,120 you were not a starter in one of the games 321 00:13:09,120 --> 00:13:13,120 seven and and that for me both you and 322 00:13:13,120 --> 00:13:14,800 Merino, when you entered, you were 323 00:13:14,800 --> 00:13:16,800 fundamental, that is, it seemed to me that 324 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:19,680 You had an incredible Euro Cup. I believe 325 00:13:19,680 --> 00:13:21,720 that you arrived at a time of form 326 00:13:21,720 --> 00:13:23,440 impressive because I know how difficult it is 327 00:13:23,440 --> 00:13:25,680 is to enter from the bench and every time 328 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:28,959 that you came in how you left your life eh 329 00:13:28,959 --> 00:13:30,839 pressing and how important you were 330 00:13:30,839 --> 00:13:32,680 for the team. That's the truth that 331 00:13:32,680 --> 00:13:35,560 It seemed incredible. Well, I always do 332 00:13:35,560 --> 00:13:38,959 I said that in the end eh so that one 333 00:13:38,959 --> 00:13:41,680 thing like that or on a computer looking long 334 00:13:41,680 --> 00:13:44,079 term things go well, don't worry 335 00:13:44,079 --> 00:13:46,199 It works with 11 or 15, you need the 336 00:13:46,199 --> 00:13:49,279 25. And I think that from minute one and 337 00:13:49,279 --> 00:13:50,839 from day one we all had very 338 00:13:50,839 --> 00:13:54,880 Of course it was like that and we were going to 339 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:57,440 need everyone and that each one was going to 340 00:13:57,440 --> 00:14:00,240 have your moment in 341 00:14:00,240 --> 00:14:01,560 But you came at a time of form 342 00:14:01,560 --> 00:14:03,759 special. Yes, I was fine, 343 00:14:03,759 --> 00:14:05,560 truth, after having gone through what 344 00:14:05,560 --> 00:14:08,480 I passed with my knee and and having passed 345 00:14:08,480 --> 00:14:11,079 Well, one or two hard years in which you 346 00:14:11,079 --> 00:14:13,680 It's hard to find yourself again, it's hard for you 347 00:14:13,680 --> 00:14:15,360 to be that you again 348 00:14:15,360 --> 00:14:16,399 Yes, I wanted to ask you about 349 00:14:16,399 --> 00:14:20,079 that you had before, well I think it was 350 00:14:20,079 --> 00:14:22,000 pleasure, I was in a place where I 351 00:14:22,000 --> 00:14:25,880 I also felt valued, loved, 352 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:27,519 I also had, whether you like it or not, others 353 00:14:27,519 --> 00:14:29,880 four Real teammates with whom 354 00:14:29,880 --> 00:14:31,480 you have shared 1000 things and in the end 355 00:14:31,480 --> 00:14:33,920 you have is that group of trust that you 356 00:14:33,920 --> 00:14:35,399 It also makes you feel a little more 357 00:14:35,399 --> 00:14:39,639 sure and the truth is that it will turn out well or 358 00:14:39,639 --> 00:14:42,839 it will go wrong. Eh, the experience for me, 359 00:14:42,839 --> 00:14:45,040 having missed the previous world cup 360 00:14:45,040 --> 00:14:47,800 because of the knee, eh, it was going to work for me 361 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:49,959 for me, to enjoy it and to be 362 00:14:49,959 --> 00:14:50,720 there. 363 00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:52,560 It had to be hard, right? The injury of 364 00:14:52,560 --> 00:14:53,759 crossed. 365 00:14:53,759 --> 00:14:56,480 Yes, I think 366 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:57,800 I think no one expects it. And 367 00:14:57,800 --> 00:14:59,480 what did you learn? What did you learn from 368 00:14:59,480 --> 00:15:03,360 that injury? Well you realize that 369 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:05,519 that beyond football there are many 370 00:15:05,519 --> 00:15:07,120 other things too that have a 371 00:15:07,120 --> 00:15:09,639 very very great importance and that perhaps 372 00:15:09,639 --> 00:15:11,519 when you are in all this ball then no 373 00:15:11,519 --> 00:15:14,000 you give it that importance or or 374 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:16,759 or you don't remember about it. But that 375 00:15:16,759 --> 00:15:19,320 bond with friends, with the group 376 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:22,399 close family, with all those people who 377 00:15:22,399 --> 00:15:26,079 It's for you, huh 378 00:15:26,079 --> 00:15:27,959 I had the opportunity to enjoy 379 00:15:27,959 --> 00:15:30,160 a little more of them when you don't have 380 00:15:30,160 --> 00:15:33,000 the opportunity to do the other and I go 381 00:15:33,000 --> 00:15:36,600 They helped me a lot, eh, for me, 382 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:39,519 to be calm, to not turn back 383 00:15:39,519 --> 00:15:42,519 crazy and if one day you had to tell me, 384 00:15:42,519 --> 00:15:45,480 "Hey, look, brake, stop, forget it and and 385 00:15:45,480 --> 00:15:49,120 come here, take refuge in us and I continue 386 00:15:49,120 --> 00:15:50,880 having it, which is the luck I think 387 00:15:50,880 --> 00:15:53,480 which I also always had, which I have 388 00:15:53,480 --> 00:15:54,680 always had my family and my 389 00:15:54,680 --> 00:15:57,360 very very close friends and and I have supported myself 390 00:15:57,360 --> 00:15:59,319 a lot in them. I wanted to ask you 391 00:15:59,319 --> 00:16:00,040 Also at the end, 392 00:16:00,040 --> 00:16:00,560 okay? 393 00:16:00,560 --> 00:16:02,560 You have told me that in the end and it was 394 00:16:02,560 --> 00:16:05,160 Well, I think I had a role because 395 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:08,160 secondary school that was not in 11. I think 396 00:16:08,160 --> 00:16:10,480 that happened to you a bit the same. to me more than 397 00:16:10,480 --> 00:16:11,120 to you. 398 00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:11,519 Well, 399 00:16:11,519 --> 00:16:13,240 You participated much more than me. 400 00:16:13,240 --> 00:16:15,519 But you also had your moment of what 401 00:16:15,519 --> 00:16:17,319 What were we talking about, right? To know that in a 402 00:16:17,319 --> 00:16:19,480 such a big group and in a competition 403 00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:21,759 well, you're going to have your moment 404 00:16:21,759 --> 00:16:25,720 of being able to contribute and your party that was 405 00:16:25,720 --> 00:16:27,759 marked for everyone. I think well let's see 406 00:16:27,759 --> 00:16:29,839 how you lived it, how you felt or 407 00:16:29,839 --> 00:16:31,319 Yes, I'm a bit like you, right? I 408 00:16:31,319 --> 00:16:32,800 It's true that every time the 409 00:16:32,800 --> 00:16:34,360 selection, every training for me 410 00:16:34,360 --> 00:16:36,720 It was a learning experience. That is, the power 411 00:16:36,720 --> 00:16:39,360 enjoy the companions I had, 412 00:16:39,360 --> 00:16:41,279 the speed at which they played, is that 413 00:16:41,279 --> 00:16:44,160 It was incredible. I mean, eh, get into one 414 00:16:44,160 --> 00:16:46,880 possession with Xavier Hernández de 415 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:51,959 Iniesta, Silva, Mata, eh, Ces, it was 416 00:16:51,959 --> 00:16:53,959 crazy, that is, 417 00:16:53,959 --> 00:16:56,240 I had the ball and, that is, you ran 418 00:16:56,240 --> 00:16:57,600 run, but you didn't know it was impossible 419 00:16:57,600 --> 00:16:59,720 recover it. They had eyes in their backs. 420 00:16:59,720 --> 00:17:01,199 Here the grass, you know how fast 421 00:17:01,199 --> 00:17:03,759 the rubes run, it was incredible. 422 00:17:03,759 --> 00:17:05,720 So, it helped me to learn 423 00:17:05,720 --> 00:17:11,039 every day and then yes, like 424 00:17:11,039 --> 00:17:13,600 In the World Cup the truth is that good, well 425 00:17:13,600 --> 00:17:15,280 huh 426 00:17:15,280 --> 00:17:18,160 I didn't have many many minutes, I played alone 427 00:17:18,160 --> 00:17:21,679 the match against Portugal and the truth 428 00:17:21,679 --> 00:17:23,640 that 429 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:25,240 imagine 430 00:17:25,240 --> 00:17:27,319 the only moment I had there to go out 431 00:17:27,319 --> 00:17:30,120 and the truth is that I came out prepared, I came out with 432 00:17:30,120 --> 00:17:31,760 desire to take on the world, of what 433 00:17:31,760 --> 00:17:34,080 had in front of me And well, I had the 434 00:17:34,080 --> 00:17:37,679 good luck helping the team in 435 00:17:37,679 --> 00:17:39,919 that half hour I had. I fucked well 436 00:17:39,919 --> 00:17:43,160 with the center backs and well, in the end we 437 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:46,240 It was difficult to play from behind, 438 00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:48,840 play our game and and well, when 439 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:50,280 I came out and we started to play a little more 440 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:53,559 long and bringing down balls, helps the team 441 00:17:53,559 --> 00:17:56,640 to go out eh, and start playing a little 442 00:17:56,640 --> 00:17:58,799 more in the opposite field. So there already 443 00:17:58,799 --> 00:18:01,919 We started to combine and soon after 444 00:18:01,919 --> 00:18:04,039 That was when David Villa's goal arrived. 445 00:18:04,039 --> 00:18:09,200 It was crazy, the truth is that eh power 446 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:13,480 participating in that team I lived it with 447 00:18:13,480 --> 00:18:16,000 a tremendous illusion. 448 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:17,960 I wasn't lucky enough to play more, but 449 00:18:17,960 --> 00:18:21,919 well, in the end it is also important 450 00:18:21,919 --> 00:18:23,679 football, in the end only 11 play and there are 451 00:18:23,679 --> 00:18:26,000 to be there to help and to 452 00:18:26,000 --> 00:18:28,200 Yes, that's what we were talking about at the end 453 00:18:28,200 --> 00:18:30,679 contribute everything you can. is that 454 00:18:30,679 --> 00:18:32,280 you can have your moment and be 455 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:34,880 prepared for that moment, 456 00:18:34,880 --> 00:18:35,919 It is clear that everyone wants 457 00:18:35,919 --> 00:18:37,840 play and everyone would like it 458 00:18:37,840 --> 00:18:39,480 play every time as much as you can, 459 00:18:39,480 --> 00:18:42,039 but if it is not possible, then I think there is 460 00:18:42,039 --> 00:18:43,000 to be there. 461 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:45,320 Yes, I wanted to ask you, right? About 462 00:18:45,320 --> 00:18:48,159 This goal is so important, right? what what 463 00:18:48,159 --> 00:18:50,080 makes it the goal that gave the victory, 464 00:18:50,080 --> 00:18:51,679 right?, in the Eurocup against Spain in the 465 00:18:51,679 --> 00:18:54,400 2024. What did it feel like to score such a goal? 466 00:18:54,400 --> 00:18:56,360 important like that? 467 00:18:56,360 --> 00:18:57,919 Because it is something incredible. Well in the 468 00:18:57,919 --> 00:19:01,000 moment, if I'm honest, very afraid, 469 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:02,400 very afraid because I thought they were 470 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:04,320 offside So, 471 00:19:04,320 --> 00:19:07,400 at that moment you score the goal and I look 472 00:19:07,400 --> 00:19:11,159 to the line and I see him start to run and 473 00:19:11,159 --> 00:19:13,559 I say, "Wow, I think it's been 474 00:19:13,559 --> 00:19:16,080 wrong." And you celebrate it, well because 475 00:19:16,080 --> 00:19:18,080 everyone comes to you and because everything, 476 00:19:18,080 --> 00:19:19,240 but 477 00:19:19,240 --> 00:19:22,360 until you return to the field. and today in 478 00:19:22,360 --> 00:19:24,720 day with today's bar you can't 479 00:19:24,720 --> 00:19:26,480 celebrate a goal Yes, that's the one 480 00:19:26,480 --> 00:19:27,760 problem. that I until I don't 481 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:29,159 I asked the referee to see if he was okay 482 00:19:29,159 --> 00:19:31,200 and he told me that it was fine, in those 483 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:32,720 moments it's like, "Wow, you take that off." 484 00:19:32,720 --> 00:19:35,799 weight and but at first I didn't do that well 485 00:19:35,799 --> 00:19:37,520 I didn't celebrate it in such a way 486 00:19:37,520 --> 00:19:41,120 effusive because I didn't know 100% if the goal 487 00:19:41,120 --> 00:19:43,280 Was it legal or not and well, then seeing 488 00:19:43,280 --> 00:19:47,320 the normal image with how little it was 489 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:48,679 for the little that was not offside, 490 00:19:48,679 --> 00:19:51,600 well, but what I'm saying, be there 491 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:54,360 prepared and then be lucky, right? 492 00:19:54,360 --> 00:19:55,840 And then later, once you have 493 00:19:55,840 --> 00:20:00,080 given the importance of that goal, what 494 00:20:00,080 --> 00:20:02,280 It has had an impact on Spain, for sure. 495 00:20:02,280 --> 00:20:03,679 I don't know, you have to feel 496 00:20:03,679 --> 00:20:04,960 super proud 497 00:20:04,960 --> 00:20:06,919 Yes, you feel super proud, but no 498 00:20:06,919 --> 00:20:08,520 you are aware I think that until 499 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:11,039 you don't get off the wheel and 500 00:20:11,039 --> 00:20:11,320 already 501 00:20:11,320 --> 00:20:13,679 and you don't leave here, because you're not going to give 502 00:20:13,679 --> 00:20:16,240 You realize what that meant, right? 503 00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:19,520 Eh, what I have told you, for me to be able 504 00:20:19,520 --> 00:20:21,799 live a moment like this, eh, after 505 00:20:21,799 --> 00:20:23,720 coming from a hard time of not having 506 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:26,640 was able to go to the World Cup due to the injury and 507 00:20:26,640 --> 00:20:29,200 fact of being able to be in a Euro Cup, 508 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:31,720 eh, reaching the end, doing 509 00:20:31,720 --> 00:20:34,520 things are going well, all as a team, 510 00:20:34,520 --> 00:20:35,960 enjoying the experience, 511 00:20:35,960 --> 00:20:38,880 enjoying the day to day, eh being 512 00:20:38,880 --> 00:20:42,440 happy in the concentration, eh, 513 00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:45,440 For me, eh, little more could be asked for. HE 514 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:49,240 I could ask to win and so on 515 00:20:49,240 --> 00:20:51,320 better. I was in the box watching you 516 00:20:51,320 --> 00:20:53,360 that day and when the game ended well 517 00:20:53,360 --> 00:20:56,200 I stayed watching how you celebrated 518 00:20:56,200 --> 00:20:59,200 everything, right? He the triumph and everything. and I 519 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:00,760 I really liked that in our time it is not 520 00:21:00,760 --> 00:21:03,799 left when the families came in, huh 521 00:21:03,799 --> 00:21:07,799 Your son came in, your wife, right? And I don't know, 522 00:21:07,799 --> 00:21:10,520 I think it had to be a very very moment 523 00:21:10,520 --> 00:21:12,840 That's emotional, isn't it? In which you already 524 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:14,520 let them celebrate with the family because 525 00:21:14,520 --> 00:21:17,159 In our time we won the World Cup and 526 00:21:17,159 --> 00:21:19,400 we celebrate Then we heard 527 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:20,840 cup we went into the locker room, but no 528 00:21:20,840 --> 00:21:22,279 we could celebrate at that moment with the 529 00:21:22,279 --> 00:21:23,919 families, right? So I think that 530 00:21:23,919 --> 00:21:25,279 It had to be very nice. 531 00:21:25,279 --> 00:21:28,120 Yes, that moment once ends 532 00:21:28,120 --> 00:21:31,679 everything to be able to join you with 533 00:21:31,679 --> 00:21:33,080 especially right there, right? in the field 534 00:21:33,080 --> 00:21:34,600 that the game has just finished. you are 535 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:37,960 still with the emotion there that you 536 00:21:37,960 --> 00:21:40,360 It comes out from all sides and you can see 537 00:21:40,360 --> 00:21:42,279 there to the people you love the most, 538 00:21:42,279 --> 00:21:45,400 to your whole family, and my wife, my son, 539 00:21:45,400 --> 00:21:47,880 that in the end they are the people with 540 00:21:47,880 --> 00:21:50,000 that you share the day to day and that they have 541 00:21:50,000 --> 00:21:51,520 the opportunity also for them to power 542 00:21:51,520 --> 00:21:53,960 live something like that, although even though the little one 543 00:21:53,960 --> 00:21:56,200 he's still small and doesn't realize it, I think 544 00:21:56,200 --> 00:21:58,120 that when you see that it was there, well 545 00:21:58,120 --> 00:22:00,320 I think that for him you will also see 546 00:22:00,320 --> 00:22:04,159 It will be beautiful and exciting and in the end, 547 00:22:04,159 --> 00:22:05,799 Well, it's also time, right?, to give 548 00:22:05,799 --> 00:22:07,320 thanks to your family, your wife, 549 00:22:07,320 --> 00:22:09,559 for being there, because for them to be 550 00:22:09,559 --> 00:22:11,320 a month and a half almost away from home, everyone 551 00:22:11,320 --> 00:22:13,080 the days with a small child and everything, 552 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:13,240 well 553 00:22:13,240 --> 00:22:14,000 of course, 554 00:22:14,000 --> 00:22:16,279 Well it's not easy, but I think 555 00:22:16,279 --> 00:22:17,640 which for them is also a 556 00:22:17,640 --> 00:22:18,559 very good experience. 557 00:22:18,559 --> 00:22:21,080 How do you face this World Cup in the United States? 558 00:22:21,080 --> 00:22:23,240 United States, Mexico and Canada? Well I believe 559 00:22:23,240 --> 00:22:25,559 that we face the World Cup in the same way 560 00:22:25,559 --> 00:22:28,240 way that what we face the the Euro, 561 00:22:28,240 --> 00:22:30,799 Right? From last year. I think 562 00:22:30,799 --> 00:22:32,559 we were very clear that we could 563 00:22:32,559 --> 00:22:34,720 compete, that we could fight against 564 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,760 any equipment and what we could do to it 565 00:22:36,760 --> 00:22:38,360 front. Things could have turned out better for us. 566 00:22:38,360 --> 00:22:39,760 or worse, but 567 00:22:39,760 --> 00:22:41,600 that we were going to be there 568 00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:43,159 and 569 00:22:43,159 --> 00:22:44,360 I think we are going to face the World Cup 570 00:22:44,360 --> 00:22:46,279 in the same way, right? on top a little 571 00:22:46,279 --> 00:22:48,400 Well, with the trust and support of 572 00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:49,760 have done well in these years 573 00:22:49,760 --> 00:22:51,720 past, whether you want that to be the end or not 574 00:22:51,720 --> 00:22:53,640 It gives you that punch. But well, being 575 00:22:53,640 --> 00:22:55,120 aware that the phase of 576 00:22:55,120 --> 00:22:56,360 classification also now that we have 577 00:22:56,360 --> 00:22:58,679 done so far, everything has worked out for us 578 00:22:58,679 --> 00:23:02,000 very good, eh without giving anything away, without 579 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:04,600 belittling anyone and looking at the rival 580 00:23:04,600 --> 00:23:07,919 always from you to you, but with that 581 00:23:07,919 --> 00:23:10,279 illusion that things can work out 582 00:23:10,279 --> 00:23:12,840 well and that we can get what a 583 00:23:12,840 --> 00:23:16,159 day some you got. 584 00:23:16,159 --> 00:23:18,240 Well, Mikel, it's been a pleasure chatting. 585 00:23:18,240 --> 00:23:21,000 football this afternoon. Hey, the truth 586 00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:22,159 I had a great time talking 587 00:23:22,159 --> 00:23:24,440 with you and it has been a pleasure to return 588 00:23:24,440 --> 00:23:26,520 also to what has been my home for 589 00:23:26,520 --> 00:23:29,440 many years and the one that brings me great 590 00:23:29,440 --> 00:23:30,080 memories. 591 00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:32,919 Nothing, thanks to you and nothing, you will always be 592 00:23:32,919 --> 00:23:34,279 welcome here. 593 00:23:34,279 --> 00:23:34,840 Thank you so much. 594 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:37,679 So nothing, here I leave you one 595 00:23:37,679 --> 00:23:39,600 little t-shirt that is the one 596 00:23:39,600 --> 00:23:41,159 we will take there 597 00:23:41,159 --> 00:23:42,840 in the world cup and let's hope it goes well 598 00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:44,960 just as well as you. I what 599 00:23:44,960 --> 00:23:47,000 I hope that instead of a star 600 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:48,880 enter a little to her, two, eh? 601 00:23:48,880 --> 00:23:49,559 Hopefully. Hopefully. 602 00:23:49,559 --> 00:23:51,880 And yes and if it can be with yours with 603 00:23:51,880 --> 00:23:52,600 laopa, 604 00:23:52,600 --> 00:23:54,960 Well, that doesn't matter. 605 00:23:54,960 --> 00:23:56,559 Wish you all the best. If there is another 606 00:23:56,559 --> 00:23:58,960 enough.