“An honor to be the only English player in the Spanish league”

—You know you are the only English player currently in the Spanish league?

—It was a surprise. It was mentioned in an interview but I was unaware of the situation. Great players such as Beckham, Cunningham…have played here and it’s an honor to be the only English player at present.

—You were born in England but are half Spanish …

—-Yes, when I was six, my family decided to move to Málaga and I was there until I was 17. I then spent some time playing in England then returned. My parents decided to make the move as they weren’t keen on bringing up children in London.

—-As a footballer you started at Benamiel (Málaga), where you coincided with Isco...

—-Isco is a great player now. I coincided with him whilst playing for the team in Arroyo de la Miel, where we both lived. It’s a humble club but they always looked after us both really well. As a player I was brought up here. I stayed at Benamiel for six years before moving on to Fuengirola. I began my playing education here in Spain.

—-How was your time at Grimsby Town?

—-I was 17 years old and it was the first time I left home. It was hard. I was there for two years; I debuted with the first team and learned a great deal in that time.

—-But you came back...

—-I didn’t reach an agreement there. I decided to return, not just because my family were in Spain but for other reasons. Here football is great and I enjoy the lifestyle. Apart from the climate which is a major factor, life is good, nice people...

—-What are the differences between English and Spanish football?

—-Football in England is very competitive, here teams play well, holding onto the ball and being patient are important. There, football is more direct with a constant pace to the game. You need to be physically strong to play in England. I was told at one point there that I’d go nowhere as a central defender...

—-Who would you support in an England v Spain game?

—-I feel as Spanish as I do English. I’m English but have lived here for so long. I’d wear a half and half shirt.

—-And If you had to choose what national team to play for...

—-I’d be happy to play for either. I wouldn’t mind, as long as they appreciate my football and work.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://as.com/diarioas/2014/12/28/english/1419776543_535163.html

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