The Football Player
I’ve been a football player since the day I was born. My mom, Paqui, my dad, José María, and my siblings, René and Mirian, were always sure about that. And I was too. That’s why I never hesitated in fighting for and following my dream that—besides being a dream—was and continues to be one of my greatest passions.
PSG
Joining PSG was unexpected and exciting. It’s an ambitious club, experiencing a boom of sports growth and as an organization, with a really promising future due to having some of the greatest players of our times. I am completely excited and thrilled about starting this new stage of my life and totally ready to work towards a single goal: winning. Allez Paris!
Real Madrid
I arrived at Real Madrid when I was 19 years old. It’s impossible to sum up everything I experienced in a mere few lines. So much happiness and joy, so many successes, some tough times, a lot of titles, unforgettable nights and an armband and emblem I proudly wore until my last day there. I left when I was 35. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but the road ahead keeps on going and we’ll meet again.
Spanish National Team
When I reached the Spain National Football Team in 2005, I never could have imagined what that would do to my career. We won a World Cup and two European Championships, something unimaginable at that time. Further, today I am the most-capped player for my country and the proudest captain to have ever worn the armband. Spain and its football team are everything to me.
Seville
When I started to play in the square at home and on the vacant lot in Atalaya, I only had one dream: to play with Sevilla FC. I started on Camas a bit undercover, as I wasn’t old enough to join the federation, and I played using another player’s membership form, before moving on to the lower categories at Sevilla. A motorcycle accident almost destroyed my dreams, but when your dream is strong and reaches deep, you also make strong and deep-reaching sacrifices. So, I did end up achieving what would exceed my wildest expectations: debuting with Sevilla FC next to my cherished Joaquín Caparrós. The rest—as you all know—is history.