Where does the family connection with Peru come from?
I was born in Toledo, Spain, and I have this approach to Peru because of my father who is Peruvian, my mother is Spanish. My father has his entire family here and they are from Lima, although I don’t know the neighborhood specifically.
Is this your first time here?
No, I came to Peru as a child when I was two years old. But I would say that it is like my first time, because I don’t remember much about when I came, I was very young.
Have you still been close to Peru in some way?
Yes, I have my uncles here, my cousins on my father’s side and that has been my approach, we have had communication over the years but I had not had the chance to come.
What was your professional training like?
I went to Atlético de Madrid when I was 11 years old. I stayed and spent six years there. ‘Atleti’ has taught me a lot to be competitive, to be stronger on a physical level. Those years I also learned a lot about the identity that the team has as a great team in Spain. Then I moved to Real Valladolid where I am until now.
Where on the court are you most comfortable?
I have played several positions. Midfielder, offensive midfielder and winger. This year I am on the left wing, I can play inside and outside, but I feel more comfortable outside on the left or right because I am ambidextrous.
How did you find out that you were going to be called up?
It was two weeks before the call went out. They contacted my parents. One of the FPF called my mother and she told me at the time, I remember she called me and she told me. I didn’t expect it, I was very happy when I received the news and I came with great enthusiasm.
How do you feel now?
I really wanted to be here. I was very happy when I arrived and everyone has treated me very well. The coach, the coaching staff and all my teammates. Coexistence is good and I am learning a lot.
What did ‘Chemo’ ask you?
He told me to enjoy the experience. I am very grateful to him for giving me this opportunity. and try myself in the selection. He has been testing me as a right winger, but in my club I play as a left winger.
Are you excited to reach the senior team?
Yes and I know that with effort I can achieve it. I want to move forward with the Peruvian team, I’m excited to wear the red and white one sometime. For now they called me to test me and I hope to stay to compete in the Pre-Olympic.
How do you see Peruvian football as opposed to Spanish?
It’s quite different. The style of play changes, I would say it is more intense and shocking.
Have you heard of Peruvian ‘chocolate’?
I had never heard the term before. But I think that I can adapt quite well to that ‘chocolate’ football. My most characteristic characteristic is dribbling.
Do you have any idol?
Neymar. I have always followed him a lot because of his game.
And in Peru have you followed any players?
To the one who continues now, to Captain Paolo Guerrero. I have seen him a lot and I think he is a great footballer.
What does your family tell you about the call?
My father is very happy since I told him. My mother too and they both ask me to take advantage of this opportunity a lot.
Does feeling Spanish and playing for Peru raise any questions for you?
No, I think that I have to go with the team that trusts me. The Peruvian team has done it and I must take advantage of that. It also catches my attention to learn more about Peru and all its people.
Are you a fan of any team?
Despite training at Atlético de Madrid, I have been a member of Barcelona since I was little. But now that I am in Valladolid I feel the colors of that club, I am with them.
In Peru do you sympathize with anyone?
The truth is that I have not heard of any particular team nor do I sympathize with any.
Anything that catches your attention about Lima?
The traffic (laughs). The food is also very different here, it changes a lot for the better. In Spain I didn’t use to eat much Peruvian food. At the moment I haven’t been able to try much, I only go from the hotel to training and we are on a diet. I haven’t had time to learn much. If I have some free time, I will try to go out and learn more.
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