Málaga CF’s Venezuelan-born players Rosales and Juanpi anxious ahead of their debut
With newly-signed Roberto, and Juanpi who is looking forward to his fifth year in Málaga CF’s youth ranks, and second pre-season with the first team, this is the first time two footballers from Venezuela have played together on the team.
“We don’t know each other very well yet, but I’ve heard great things about him. I know his family, I’ve played a couple of times with his brother Bernardo. I’m thrilled to be here and know there are people who can help me out,” says Rosales. Añor adds: “I’m over the moon that I have a compatriot on the team here in Málaga. We’ve only met each other once when representing Venezuela, but I’m so pleased he’s here and I look forward to enjoying the season together.”
The reserve team player is now a ‘Malagueño’: “When I arrived here, everyone at the Club helped me to adapt, in a way I could never have imagined. I really feel at home in Málaga, the people are wonderful and I’m now a bit of a ‘Malagueño’!” By adapting quickly to the team, this helps greatly with performance levels. Juanpi will help Rosales with this.
The two Venezuelan players want to prove themselves at La Rosaleda: “I had a fantastic opportunity to play for my country here during a friendly against Spain. All I want to do is get out there and play football. It’s important that pre-season training goes well, I work as hard as I can and give it my all, then I’ll nervously await the chance to make my debut and fight to wear the Blue and Whites’ shirt,” affirms Rosales. “Since I arrived in Málaga, it has been my dream to play for this Club and be a part of Málaga CF’s first team, and each day that dream is getting closer,” comments Juanpi.
The Málaga boys talk about playing for Venezuela: “Representing your country is the greatest honour. Following a long period without a lot of activity, just one friendly game, I think the Federation made the right decision. He is a winning manager, the most successful in Venezuela, who works incredibly hard to get the most out of his team on the pitch. We need to make up for lost time and prepare ourselves for some important upcoming tournaments.”
Juanpi is a regular in Venezuela’s youth categories, and awaits being called up to the first team, with whom he has played on one occasion: “It’s always so exciting to wear your country’s colours. With the arrival of a new coach expectations are high and I’m confident we’ll have a successful year this year.”
Two Venezuelans together in Málaga: “The Spanish League is one of the best in the world. I’m here to work, give everything I’ve got to the team, and I’m sure everyone in Venezuela will be proud that one of their countrymen is playing here. I hope Juanpi gets the chance to make his debut, as he’s such a quality player,” says Rosales. “It’s an honour for me to play alongside Roberto. He’s had an amazing career so far, and I’m thrilled he’s now a part of Málaga CF. I hope we have a great season together,” concludes the reserve team player.
