Speaking from Portugal, the Malaguista number ‘11’ is a calm person who is making the most of this time during the quarantine period at home with his family. His priorities, training to the max and enjoying being a dad, focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel.
A month and a half in quaratine, in your case in Portugal.
This is a global crisis. Of course, we have had cases of the virus and fatalities in Portugal, but nothing like Spain. They closed the airports a little earlier and implemented a state of alarm when there weren’t many cases. They started to prevent the spread earlier which was good for Portugal. I don’t know if the confinement will continue until the end of the month, or longer. I don’t think so. Things seem a little more stable now, but people are still staying at home and only going out to supermarkets, banks…as they are doing in Spain.
In regard to your fitness level, how are you doing? How long has it been since you touched a football?
I feel good, following the club’s training plans. They help us to stay in shape. It’s not the same training at home, but within the possibilities, I feel good. Yes I train with the ball, I have a garden and train with the ball every day, there’s no problem there.
The return to training seems close now, as the first step to the return to competition and being able to finish the season. Do you see the light at the end of the tunnel?
I don’t think it’ll be long now. We know there will be different conditions, but the important thing for us is starting. Of course, it needs to be safe, but we’re looking forward to getting back to work. I don’t think it will be too far away.
There are 11 matches remaining in LaLiga SmartBank. What objectives do you have individually and collectively?
There are 11 matches to go, it feels a bit strange talking about it when we’re not in competition. On an individual level, I want to help the team as much as possible, play as many minutes as I can, make assists and score goals, which I still haven’t done this season. Collectively speaking, we want to win as many points to end the League in a good position. I think we can finish the season well.
This is your second year with Málaga and you have another remaining on your contract. Have we seen the best Renato yet or will we see a lot more?
I finished last season in a good way, fit and confident. I want to stay at that level longer, from start to finish. It’s normal for players to have times when they are in better shape than others, but my ambition is to always be at my best. I believe I can improve, be at my optimum fitness level and help the team.
You have a great relationship with Cifu. Do you miss him? Have you had videocalls?
Yes, I have a good relationship with Cifu, and with my other teammates. I miss them all, the atmosphere in the dressing room…We all miss it. We haven’t had a videocall, we both have children, he’s with his daughter now, and we’re both focused on the family and staying at home. We’ve all spoken by videoconference though.
How do you avoid boredom, so you don’t get stuck in a rut?
With children it’s more difficult to get stuck in a rut. My child is always active, wants to play with the ball, go to the pool…Always ready to do something, which is good. We have dogs too, so we keep busy and it helps to pass the time. I also go to the supermarket sometimes. I’m doing fine.
What hobbies do you have other than football that you’re focusing on at the moment?
I don’t have any favourite hobbies really. I like to watch films, television series, train and look after the children, I have a two-month old. I’m enjoying spending time with my family, which is very important.
Last question, Renato. What have you learned and what do you value most within this unprecedented situation we’re all going through?
We all have to learn from this situation. We need to value family, the freedom to be able to go outside, doing simple things with our children, going to the park, a bit of everything. As we’re restricted now, we value being able to go out with our children, to restaurants, for a walk, to the beach…Simple things that we took for granted before, and now we are unable to do. I think everyone needs to value what they have.
