Manolo Gaspar, Málaga CF’s Sporting Director, accompanied Adrián during his presentation press conference. “I welcome him once again and hope he can help us in this final stretch of the competition, which is what he’s excited about.” The new number Malaguista ‘21’ talked about how he feels on his return to the Club: “I feel good, excited about being back and wearing the Málaga jersey. This is one of the places I consider my home, and I’ve always noticed the fans’ affection. I’m full of enthusiasm and motivation. I want to help the team in any way I can.”

Adrián López talks about new coach, Pablo Guede. “The coach has arrived with very clear ideas, which we’ve discovered over the last two days with him. He has conveyed what he wants from us, and I think the team will respond well to what he’s asking for. We’re preparing for every match as if it were the last, with a positive mentality and believing the team can beat anyone. Having this mentality will give us a real boost,” he said.

“What I want to do is help, and if it’s with goals and assists then all the better. The players upfront have more of the responsibility in that area, but every player has their responsibility. Perhaps I have more experience than some of the younger players and can offer them advice,” he said when questioned about the team’s lack of goals.

Saturday’s Málaga-Valladolid clash for Adrián is fundamental: “I think that by constantly improving, victory is getting ever closer. The first step is to believe in ourselves. We’re playing at home against a major rival and our focus is to win all our remaining home games. This is what we’re aiming for, what we need, and a win would be good in so many ways. Victory gives you a lot of encouragement for upcoming matches.”

The striker confirmed that he was “very excited” at the possibility of returning to the Club, and stressed the importance of the veterans in the final part of the 21/22 season. “We have some very young players who need to learn from every training session, and the older players can give them advice. The combination of veteran and more experienced players is great. I see a lot more performance coming from this team. Now it’s about continuing to work hard as the reward will come.”

Finally, Adrián echoed his desire to contribute to the team “from the position I’m in. In every training session, match, in the dressing room…I always like to help, speak to people and I’m going to do my bit in all I can,” he concluded.