In the end, Barcelona and Real Madrid are two clubs that are capable of competing with Premier League clubs. Both of these companies are of high standards. When I first arrived in England and joined my first club Brighton, I was surprised that the goal of England players was to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona, not Arsenal or Chelsea. At that time I realized the appeal of Real Madrid and Barcelona, who have fans all over the world.
Do you think they can compete with the strong strength of the Premier League?
Of course, 100%. Perhaps Real Madrid and Barcelona do not have the financial ability of Premier League teams to pay for such high contracts, but their history and fame have enabled them to attract many excellent players.
So on the court, do you think Real Madrid and Barcelona can compete for the Champions League this season?
Of course, both teams will enter the late stage. We will play against Barcelona in London in the league stage. It will be a great game for the fans and me because I'm from there and I'm excited about playing with them.
What do you think about this issue of the adult national team and the U21 national team, a total of 22 players are playing abroad in Spain, half of which are in the Premier League?
I don't even know how to explain... When I was in Getafe, a lot of people told me how to go to Brighton, and they thought it was a small team. Eventually they came, put a bet on me, paid the transfer fee to take me over, gave me a plan, and then thanks to their strong internal market, I jumped from Chelsea, just like Isaac transferred from Newcastle to Liverpool for over 150 million euros… In the Premier League, you entered a cycle that would enhance your professional reputation. In England, football is organized very well, with bonuses in almost all aspects, such as during Christmas games, the so-called "Bodily Day", allowing all families to reunite that day and enjoy the good time of football... There are many reasons.
What suggestions do you have for improvements for La Liga, such as copying Boxing Day?
Well, now everyone in La Liga might want to kill me because I suggest playing in Christmas...I don't know, I'm just a player in England and saw what's going on there. But the economic problem, the salary paid to players there, does play a big role in persuading top players.
What can FIFA improve compared with the Qatar World Cup in the 2026 World Cup? Can you play in the heat you suffered in the Club World Cup?
This is very complicated: I understand that due to the time difference, we must compete in a hot period like 3:00 p.m. local time. But I hope to improve the national team World Cup in this regard, because the game is difficult under such conditions, so hot, and the venue is dry... I hope this aspect can be improved next summer.
Is Spain a favorite to win the championship? Do you list it as one of the popular ones?
Spain will be one of the hottest because we are the current European champions and we have the strength and enthusiasm. Hopefully we can complete the qualifiers in the best way, win the next two games of the week, and then let all players compete in the World Cup in good shape, just like in the European Cup.
source:7m en