The greatness of Santi Cazorla (Lugo de Llanera, 1984) is in his simplicity, in how he serves the fans in the Requexón, in that naturalness with which he smiles at them and in the vicinity with which he responds. He is happy in a first Oviedo. There is nothing more to see it.
How is it at this start of the season?
Good, good. Glad. After the first victory, the team is a little more released.
What importance does that first Victory against Real Sociedad In the tartiere?
It allowed the week to be a little quieter, with a little more relief. There is a lot ahead, but getting the first victory, especially with our people, was something we wanted and was fundamental. To achieve permanence, the key will be strong with our people.
After the euphoria of the ascent, it gives the feeling that people are noticing how difficult it is to compete in First.
Yes, now there is the great complication to stay. It costs a lot to upload, the club has made a great effort to be where it deserves, which is in Primera, and now we want to stay, settle in this category, and for that we have to do things very well.
What sensations has the team transmitted at this start?
Good feelings. The team has competed well in all three games. In Villarreal we were very conditioned by that expulsion in the first part; Against Real Madrid, until 0-2 the team was at all times put in the game against a great rival and in the last one, against the Royal Society, apart from the three points, I think people were happy of what they saw: a team that competes, that leaves life and gives everything for the shirt. That is the minimum we have to do in this category.
The fans expected big names. Is the equipment that has been made?
We were all waiting for the closure of the market, to see if the last signing came to strengthen some position, but the club has made great efforts and above all there have been people at the last minute that you have to take a little time, which have been practically two days, they have now gone with the selection, they have to return and go acclimatize to what the coach wants the group. You have to help them to integrate as soon as possible, because in the end they are players who have to give us that plus to be able to compete in First. There is a competitive template in all aspects and a good group above all. The most important thing is that there is a good human group.
How has the group faced the tension that was lived between Hassan and the coach following his substitution before the Royal Society? Do I have to deal with this matter?
I have experience in this, I have lived similar chapters or episodes. The important thing is that it does not go to more than what happened at that time. The first to realize that he was wrong was Hassan and that also speaks well of the group and of him, we know that above anyone is the collective. This in the end makes us stronger, we have to turn page, the atmosphere is great and are things that happen in football. There is no problem
Paunovic looks like someone serious, who does not like situations like that.
He has a lot of character, he already had it when he was a footballer and has it as a coach. These small details cannot distract us, the key and the fundamental basis if we want to achieve the goal is for the group to be united and Veljko wants to be careful. It was a good group management that was done. You have to be reinforced from all situations.
How is his return to the Spanish First Division living?
Enjoying it a lot, I am at the end of my career and living it in the team of my life, my city, having ascended … I want to put the climax and for me the most important thing is that the team remains in the first many years because I believe that as a club and as a hobby they deserve it.
Do you get used to applauding you in all fields?
It already happened to me in Second, where I was receiving signs of affection. I will live it in First, I have gone to stadiums such as ceramics that for me is very special because I spent nine wonderful years and the reception I had was something very nice on a personal level. But, above all, what matters to me is to continue competing and continue contributing to the club over the receptions and love I receive where I go.
In the first two games he barely played, but before the Real he had half an hour. Was he found well?
Yes, yes, yes, it is true that I was missing a little to have minutes competing because in the end in Villarreal I entered the last five minutes and with Real Madrid practically in the discount. That makes you lose a little the competitive gene that those who play and with the real the truth is that I found my time well. In the day to day I try to strive for when I have to play my best and the best level.
Throughout his career he has had serious injuries, very hard moments. Is this sweet stretch so sweet?
Yes, it seems like that they are returning everything now, especially that year and a half or two years of Calvary with the ankle. If they tell me that my final was going to be this, because I would have signed having had this injury because what I am living now exceeds what I had dreamed since I was a child. That is why I am enjoying it very much, because when you look practically out of football for an injury and you return much more the small details, especially when they are at home.
Has the promotion been your best moment as a footballer?
The most important thing, I put it up to the European Championships, but on a personal level it is even more special to me. Winning two Eurocups as I won, winning titles with Arsenal or playing Champions with Villarreal or Malaga are things that are marked, but in the end the feeling that one has at home is different because it is the dream I had as a child. On a personal level, the most special I have lived in the world of football is to climb with my team to the First Division.
It is the day of Asturias and plays with Oviedo in Primera. Can you ask for anything else?
No, the truth is that I am a privileged one to live what I am playing. It is the dream of a lot of people, to return home, retire in your city, live what I am living, receive the love of an entire city, which for me is something that is impossible to return, so the only thing I try is to help this club so that tomorrow is a little bigger and live up to the height of the circumstances.
It is fulfilling all the objectives that was set when coming.
What has happened is well above the expectations he had, it was a dream to dress this shirt and help this team be in first, something we knew was very difficult after 24 years. Having been a participant and being one of those privileged who will be remembered tomorrow for having climbed with Oviedo was something that I dreamed before coming and that luckily I have been able to fulfill.
Personally, at your age, in terms of care, what does it mean to compete in the First Division?
I am 40 years old, I am not 25 as my teammates have, when I was 25 I saw many veterans who did a different job to mine and many times asked them: “Why are you treated so much? Why do you stay until the end?” Food is important because when you turn years the minimum detail marks differences. I try to take care of all the details, the rest, the food, stay in the gym, treat me, do all kinds of treatments outside the club as well. They are details that help to be as close to the level of my classmates. That requires many hours and practically being 24 hours thinking about reaching the best possible weekend.
And not be able to eat what you want on Asturias Day.
Of course, I take care of it a lot. I would like to eat more hounds and more fabada, but I will have time.
It transmits the feeling that it enjoys Asturias.
It is that I have always felt very Asturian, I have been practically 20 years and I have never felt the roots I feel when I come to my land. Now that luckily I return after 20 years I enjoy more of those little things I did not have. I have always tried to take Asturias where I have been and leave it as well as possible. Everyone who comes to Asturias falls in love, I have always been a flag bearer of my land and I have tried to live up to this wonderful site that we have.
Do you feel that Oviedo's rise has changed to the city?
It is important for all, not only for the club already football level, but for the city. I think there will be an important change, which will also be noticed, because in the end the first moves many more things than second, as is normal. It will be very beautiful, so you also have to stay, because I think we are going to enrich ourselves in every way being in Primera.
Is there more self -esteem?
Yes, because in the end they have always been eating, in quotes, mud. They have been in the worst and be able to see Real Madrid here was something unthinkable a few years ago. Before it seemed that we were all a little crouched by the recent history we had and now when you saw you with the best like you free yourself and take your chest a little forward. Nor should we get it much because in the end they then put it in you, but I tell them to enjoy it because they have suffered a lot and deserve to live this moment.
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