Cazorla: Leading Oviedo to upgrade is the most special moment in my career

Hupu September 8th News Recently, veteran Cazorla, who is about to turn 41, accepted an exclusive interview with the Daily Sports Daily. He talked about topics such as why he returned to his hometown team, his personal status, and his outlook for the team.

How did you feel at the beginning of the season?

The first league victory against Real Sociedad made this week much easier. The road ahead is still long, but winning the first win at home is what we want and it is crucial. If you want to succeed in relegation, the key is to play well at home. After the upgraded carnival passed, people seemed to gradually realize the cruelty of La Liga competition.

Yes, the real difficulty lies in how to stay in La Liga. Upgrading is already difficult, and the club has made great efforts to put the team in his position. What we need to do now is to stay here and gain a foothold, and this requires doing a lot of things to the best of it.

How does the team's performance at the beginning give you?

feels good. The teams showed competitiveness in all three games. In the away game against Villarreal, the red card in the first half made us passive; against Real Madrid, the team kept stinging the game until 0-2; in the end, against Real Sociedad, not only won three points, but fans were also satisfied with seeing a team that fought for the jerseys with all their strength. This is what we need to do in La Liga at least.

Fans are looking forward to big names joining. How do you view the current lineup?

Everyone is waiting for the final signings in the transfer window. The club has made a lot of effort and there are indeed several players coming in the last moment, and they need time to adapt to the requirements of the team and coach. We want to help them integrate as soon as possible because they will bring an additional boost to the team's competition in La Liga. Overall, this is a team that is very competitive in all aspects, and the most important thing is to have a good team atmosphere.

Hassan has friction with the coach because of the substitute. Have you participated in the coordination?

I have experience and have seen similar situations in the past. The most important thing is not to let things expand. Hassan himself realized the mistake first, which also shows that the team and himself are very mature. Everyone understands that the collective is superior to the individual. This kind of small episode will make us stronger. The atmosphere is very good now, and these are common small things in football.

Head coach Paulovic seems to be a very serious person?

He has a very personality, and that's what it is when he is a player. Such small things won't distract us. To achieve the goal, the foundation is team unity. The head coach attaches great importance to these details, and this time the handling is good team management.

What does returning to La Liga mean to you?

I enjoyed it very much. I am at the end of my career, but being able to compete in La Liga with my hometown team, in the club I love deeply, and experience the promotion to La Liga is a perfect ending for me. I hope the team can gain a long-term foothold in La Liga, because it is worth it both for the club and for the fans.

Get applause on every court, are you used to it?

I had received a lot of love when I was in the Spanish Second Division, and it is still the case in La Liga. It was especially special when I went to the Ceramic Stadium because I had nine wonderful years there and I was moved by the fans’ welcome. But for me, the most important thing is to continue to compete and continue to contribute to the team, rather than the applause and love from the outside world.

You played against Real Sociedad for half an hour, how do you feel?

is very good. I only played 5 minutes before against Villarreal, but I made it almost in stoppage time against Real Madrid, and lacked the rhythm of the game. But this time I feel good. I work hard in daily training so that I can be in the best shape when I am needed by the team.

You have experienced serious injuries. Can the good times now heal those pains?

Yes, just like fate is compensating me. I suffered from ankle joints for a year and a half to two years. If someone told me at that time that there would be such an ending, I would rather have experienced that injury. Because everything I'm going through now is even better than my childhood dream. After returning from injury, I know how to cherish these little happiness, especially in my hometown.

Is the upgrade the most special moment in your career?

I think it is as important as the European Cup championship, and even more special on a personal level. Winning two European Cups, winning the championship at Arsenal, playing the Champions League in Villarreal or Malaga are all unforgettable experiences. But upgrading with my hometown team was a childhood dream, so it was my most special moment.

Today is Asturias (Automatic Region where Oviedo is located), and you are playing for Oviedo in La Liga. What else can be better on such a day?

is gone, I am really lucky to have been through it all. For me, it was the dream of countless people - to go home, retire in my hometown, and accept the love of the whole city. The only thing I can do is to make the club stronger and live up to expectations.

Have you achieved the goal of returning?

has actually exceeded expectations. It's already hard to wear this jersey and help the team return to La Liga. It is a dream come true for me to be the one who helped Oviedo upgrade in 24 years.

At the age of 40, how can you maintain your competitiveness in La Liga?

I am no longer a 25-year-old and need more self-discipline. Diet, rest, extra training and treatment are all very important. I've been preparing for the weekend games almost 24 hours, which is a must.

Even on holidays like today, can't you eat and drink at will?

Yes, I have strict diet control. Even if I really want to eat more schnitzel and bean soup, I have to hold back, and there are opportunities in the future.

You seem to be enjoying life in Asturias very much.

I always felt like I was "Asturian". Although I have been out there for 20 years, I have a real sense of belonging only in my hometown. Now that I come back, I cherish these details more. I always try to bring Asturias to places I have been to make people like it.

Has Oviedo's upgrade changed the city?

Yes, it is important not only for the club and football level, but also for the entire city. It will benefit economically, because the impact of La Liga far exceeds that of the Spanish Second Division. Staying in La Liga is important for us.

has also made the team more confident?

Yes, everyone has experienced too many lows in the past. It's something that Real Madrid dare not even think about when they come to Oviedo. In the past, we always bowed our heads, but now we can compete with the best teams, and we can finally stand up. Of course we can't be too proud, otherwise we will be beaten back to our original form, but I always tell them to enjoy it because they have gone through so much suffering and it is worth the moment.