The first interview...
Welcome to Liverpool FC - how does it feel to be here?
First of all, thanks very much. I'm very happy to have signed for a club like Liverpool. I think it's one of the biggest in Europe. Any footballer would want to come and play here.
How did you feel when coming to Liverpool became a realistic possibility for you?
When they tell you Liverpool want to sign you, like any player, you are going to be absolutely amazed and you don't think of anything else other than going straight there.
What do you know about Liverpool?
Liverpool the place? I've never been here before so, just the bits I've seen since I arrived. But Anfield itself - I think that every player wants to play there.
And the legendary club itself, what do you know about the football club?
The club is one of the biggest in Europe, no English club has won more European Cups. It has a superb history and is a team that nowadays any player would want to be a part of.
How was it at Atletico Madrid?
It really was a great group of players. From a personal point of view it was a disappointing year for me. I was unlucky with injury, but for the group as a whole it was a brilliant year. We managed to achieve things that from the outset appeared almost impossible, so let's hope that I find something similar here; a team that has the highest aspirations and can win as much as possible.
What can you say about Juanfran as a player and what did you learn from him?
Juanfran is a top player and he's been showing that for a number of years now. I learned a lot from him. For example, he used to play further forward out wide and he found easy to adapt when they switched him to full back. He learned a lot himself in such a short time and did a great job.
Speaking about you personally now, for the supporters here, how would you describe yourself as a player?
Firstly, I'm coming here to earn my place in the side, and above all, like any footballer to keep on improving as much as I can in training and compete to the very best of my ability.
Are you a fan of the Premier league?
The football here is a bit different to elsewhere, particularly Spain. It's very end-to-end whereas Spanish football is more tactical. The football here is very entertaining to watch.
What challenges do you expect playing in this league will pose you?
Firstly, to accomplish all the targets that the club sets me. I believe that by working hard you can achieve anything.
What does football mean to you?
For me and almost every player, football is something you are born with, something you love and can't live without.
You played alongside Suso - what is he like as a player and a person?
It's better to have him on your side than against you, because we all know he has great quality and is a very good player. I get on very well with him and he's a great teammate to have.
Have you spoken with Suso about your move and what has he told you about Liverpool FC and the city?
To tell you the truth I haven't really spoken to him much yet but when we see each other he'll be able to give me lots of advice and I guess it will be him who helps me to get settled in here.
You will soon be running out in front of the famous Kop - have you had any thoughts on how that will feel?
That moment is something that you have to experience for yourself. Until I have, I would not know how to describe it to you.
What are you objectives at Liverpool FC?
The immediate objective is to do the best I possibly can here. I've come here to try and secure a place for myself in the side and, if possible, stay here for many more years in the future.
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 12:46 pm
