Nacho and Juanma, two former Malaguistas now at Betis: “It’ll be a very special match”
The rival side in Málaga Club de Fútbol’s next league match will have some ex-Blue and Whites in its ranks. In addition to the goalkeeper Iñaki Goitia, there are two Malaguista youth players: the winger Nacho and the right midfielder, Juanma.
Return home
Nacho and Juanma return to Málaga after having been hailed as two of the greatest homegrown players since Málaga B was promoted to the Second Division and then secured its place in that division with Antonio Tapia at the helm (the team’s been in the category for three consecutive years now). Friends, and in their time as Levante players also flatmates, destiny has again united the footballers at Betis.
Nacho, a member of the Pérez Frías family which has been linked to Málaga for more than 30 years, and Juanma, who was born in Benito (Badajoz) but ‘adopted by and married to’ Málaga, will return to La Rosaleda, the stadium that turned them into elite league footballers. Nacho and Juanma spent five years in Málaga Club de Fútbol’s youth teams, one at Levante, and three at Real Betis Balompié.
Nacho Pérez
- A special game and Andalusian derby against Málaga
“It’ll be a special match because of the feeling I have for Málaga. It’s not everyday you return home, and even less to take on a time of Málaga’s current level.”
-Málaga’s situation
“What I’m seeing with Málaga is impressive. The whole province is cheering them on and I don’t think there’s ever been such excitement surrounding the team.”
-Revisiting the stadium and the fans
“I am, and I always will be, thankful to the fans. One of the best moments I’ve had in football was to do with the love they showed me. The first time I went back to La Rosaleda, with Real Sociedad, we played a very important game, and despite losing, when I was substituted the people cheered me as I left the pitch. I’ll never forget that.”
Juanma
-A special game and Andalusian derby against Málaga
“It’ll be a special game because of the five years that I spent at Málaga. It was my first experience away from home and I have to say that Málaga gave me so much. We managed an historic promotion with the second team and, even though I wasn’t able to play for the first team, playing at La Rosaleda is very special for me and I’m really looking forward to the match.”
-Málaga’s situation
“The Club’s changed a lot since the arrival of the Sheikh. I think that they’re coming to the match in their best moment of the season so far because with so many new signings it took a while for them to fire-up. They’re showing that they’re aspiring to play in Europe next season.”
