Challenge
“I accept this great challenge because that’s how I’m facing it. Despite my age, and arriving here without the rhythm of play, for me my obligation is to perform at the same level or better than I did when I was here last time. I like this challenge. I’m here to face it with great responsibility, and it will be based on performance. The people always want to win, which is good for everyone. If I play poorly, then I’ll deservedly hear the whistles, but if I perform well, the people will be happy again”.
Happy
“There are times when the planets align and certain situations come about. Firstly, it’s normal that when putting the team together, you look for your people. I underwent a minor surgery, which is why I wasn’t available from the start. That’s also the reason why I joined Espanyol at a later date. I didn’t have any participation in Espanyol, so I preferred to rescind, without knowing if this was going to happen. Now I’m here and extremely happy”.
Number 3
“Yesterday, during the review and signing, what I was least concerned with was the number, and I forgot to ask which numbers had been released. The emotion and joy of it all came over me and I forgot. When I arrived today they told me which numbers were free. Before I was able to speak to the captains, I conveyed that it would be a great honour for me to wear the number of a player who means so much to this institution. I went to speak to Weligton and he gave me a hug. It was emotional as I feel very fortunate to wear the number of someone who defended these colours in the best possible way over so many years. Being able to wear the same number as Weligton, who defended the Málaga colours so much, is something I feel very lucky about”.
Day to day
“I think that everyone who has been here will always follow Málaga. I know where I’m coming from. You have to go step by step and take each day at a time. I have to evaluate myself and the Club needs to evaluate me. Since I rescinded with Espanyol, I’ve been in training at the gym. Although I feel fit, it’s not the same as training with the team. We’ll see how the day to day goes”.
Experience
“Obviously, I can bring all the experience and knowledge I have. I’m able to speak from experience and see things with more clarity than the boys of 20 years of age, who are taking their first steps, still can’t see. I’m passionate about tactics. I’m here to contribute to the team from the position I’m given to play on the pitch. When I have the chance to play, it’ll be very welcome, and also when it’s my turn to stay on the bench. During free time, in the invisible training…I would like to transmit my degree of professionalism to the boys who are just starting out”.
Marcelo Romero
“He simply welcomed me. We had a lovely conversation, but at no time did he say to me I’d be in the starting line-up or anything of the sort. This will be determined calmly, at the right time. Of course, everyone wants to play, but it’s important to be honest with reality. We’ll undertake a daily analysis to see what is most convenient for the team”.
Unforgettable years
“From a sporting aspect, I enjoyed two and a half super intense and unforgettable years. It was a wonderful group in the first six months, as we moved away from a difficult situation. We enjoyed taking part in the Champions League. In a way, we are all very much identified with that era. Although we all loved it, the most important aspect was the sport. I wanted to come back as a show of gratitude for those two and a half years. I hope I can help the team”.
Málaga CF’s sports director, Francesc Arnau, analyses the arrival of the Argentine defender in today’s press conference: “Time tells. In summer, it was decided not to count on him, and we considered looking elsewhere. As you well know, we have a significant number of injuries in defence. It’s a request from the coach that Martín is here. We analysed the situation and brought him here. We think he’ll contribute a great deal both as a veteran and with his level of experience on and off the field of play. Martín arrived here under very favourable economic conditions. I am grateful to him for his conduct during the negotiations. He was accessible from the first moment. I understand there may be a thorn in relation to what happened in the past, which is why he too has been very receptive in coming here under these conditions”.
