The captain of Sevilla, the club to which he returned after a few good years at Manchester City, dreams of a European Super Cup between the two teams of his heart. World Champion, European champion and symbol of the Nervionense quarry, chat with EL MUNDO before the final against Roma.

It's been a complicated season. Very hard. We've been down there for a long time. It's been very different from all the years I've been here. The good thing is that the team has taken everything it had inside to be where we are now. We entered a very bad dynamic, but with the new coach we have started to win games and he has given us to be in a final. He had the support of the club, the affection of the players... He deserved that affection because we have spent very good years with him. We achieved great things, but it was a very negative start to the season. I will always wish him well. After three UEFA titles with Sevilla, did you think you would have the chance to lift that trophy again? I always think about achieving important things with Sevilla. That's why I'm here, to bring joy to the fans and keep winning titles. Yes, this year was a difficult year, but it is a competition that has given us many joys and we have always been there. In the final in Eindhoven surprised the tranquility with which he faced those previous hours. In fact, there are some images in which he is seen playing pingpong with some children. Do you never get nervous before games? Once I jump on the field I do feel the tingle of the hours before, of a final. Living something so big has that emotion. But once you start, you focus and do your best.Which ending do you remember best? All finals are special. The first one was magical, and then it was amazing to get another one so often. From the third I have the memory of returning and lifting it as captain.What weapons will they use against Roma? They are a block with the lines very close together and with great individualities. We will have to be very focused and, above all, have patience. Jesús Navas at one point in the interview. Gogo LobatoIn August, in Greece, it may happen that there is a Super Cup between Sevilla and Manchester City. Their teams are not doing badly... (Laughs) The truth is that they are playing at a very high level, it is incredible the level they have, I have been there for four years, I have enjoyed a lot and I have very good memories. There have always been players at the highest level and we have played very good, very colorful football and we have continued with that model. Then came Guardiola, who has maintained that line of play and has made the best. Guardiola, precisely. He gave me that opportunity to play there and we didn't hesitate because he already knew me and knew my way of playing. He was sure I was going to perform there.What was it like learning to defend? It didn't change me much, because my first years, when I debuted, I was always defending, we attacked and defended. It was a balance. And he knew me from that, from the league, from that ability. City's full-backs, Zabaleta and Sagna, were injured and he gave me that opportunity. In the end you learn from everything and everyone, you see them defend and although they put me at right-back, I am a player who likes to go up and attack.

Seville Derby

Navas angry after the entrance of Miranda.J.M. VidalEFENunca had seen you as angry as the other day in the derby after Miranda's entry. (Pause, he thinks before answering) We had a final very close... But these are things that can happen, that happen to all of us in the field... And he asked me for forgiveness.Did you think that apology was enough? Yes, because they tell me that he is a very good kid, very quiet and from a very good family. And that's the most important thing. I think that's the important thing, that he's a great kid, and I'll stick with that. And how things are lived in the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.Yo think it is a unique stadium. It's incredible what we live, how they are with us, how they encourage and lead us in every game to give our best. I don't know what would have happened this season without them.Did you understand what Sampaoli wanted? In the end it is one more idea of the game and in the end they made us many goals with that drawing. He tried to do his best for us, it didn't go well, but well, we have a very important affection for him and now with Mendilibar we are very happy. In the end the players are the same. Yes, Mendilibar has allowed us more simplicity, if possible, within the party. Not risking so much, and that has also paid off. And which game model you like best. In the end there are many different models within the same party, you have to know how to handle them and know when you have to risk more and when less. I think that's important and that's what the seniority brings.What do you like most about your team now? Character. The personality that we are transmitting all in the field at this time. And give everything for the shirt, which deserves it, and for all the fans, who live it to the fullest like us. We want to give you that joy. Navas in the Sánchez PizjuánGogo LobaDo you think a lot about that World Cup final, with that ball that you went up a little crazy and ended in a goal? Every day, every day. That is unique, living and winning a World Cup is the greatest thing for a player and what we lived there was incredible for us and for all España.Se he has commented that his character, his shyness, has been able to harm his football a little. Everything makes you stronger. (Sighs) Everything has a reason and in the end it has made me grow more and I have spent four years in Manchester incredible and very comfortable. And after football, what? Well, I don't know, I don't think beyond it, I think about the day to day. Yes I like the bike a lot.¿Compete Luis Enrique? (Laughs) Yes. Just as I am and with the character I have, I want to win everything, and to the maximum. But I don't look beyond football because I feel very good, very comfortable and I want to enjoy it for many years. I wouldn't change a thing. Because winning titles with Sevilla, as I have achieved and winning a World Cup and the European Championship, the Premier ... I have achieved very great things.

  • Sevilla FC
  • football

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