MY DREAM
“I always dreamed of doing something big in football”
My story began on 7 November 1990 in Madrid. Like all children, I also had my own dreams.
My childhood was spent in Illescas (Toledo). There I grew up in an environment marked by sport, from which I acquired the values that have accompanied me all my life: I grew up in Illescas (Toledo).
- Striving for improvement
- Effort
- Teamwork
- Humility
- Respect
My parents were key to my passion for sport, thanks to their unconditional support at each and every moment of my life and career.
MY BEGINNINGS
“Growing as an athlete and as a person”
At the age of nine I started playing in the Casarrubuelos school. In that first stage I enjoyed occupying different positions on the pitch, even scoring goals as a striker.
Later on, I played at the Castilla school in Torrejón de la Calzada, of which I have very special memories. Those early childhood games are really important for growing up as a sportsman and as a person.
The victories encourage you to keep working hard and make you see that effort and perseverance pay off. Defeats make humility the best virtue to overcome bumps in the road and continue fighting with commitment.
MY TIME AT ATLÉTICO DE MADRID
“Effort and perseverance pay off”
At the age of thirteen everything changed. At that age I joined Atlético de Madrid, where I progressed through the youth ranks. Today I can proudly say that I was privileged to be able to join a football school full of values, which encourages you to be better in every training session and in every match.
In 2009, just a few weeks after the start of the league, I had the opportunity to make my debut with the first team. That season was crucial for me, I played Champions League, league and Copa del Rey games. Another dream come true.
Without a doubt, another big turning point in my career would come in the 2010-2011 season, the last one I would play in the Atlético colours. At the age of twenty, once again, I once again felt tremendously fortunate.
At the age of twenty, once again, I felt tremendously lucky.
AT MANCHESTER UNITED
“The best is yet to come”
In June 2011 I would once again experience one of the key moments of my sporting career, starting my British adventure with Manchester United. I was joining a team that would become my second home. All this, with the best mentor and coach that any footballer can aspire to: Sir Alex Ferguson.
In this period, which continues to this day, I have shared a dressing room with the best players in the world. I have played on memorable pitches in dozens of countries, I have played in the best competitions in the world and, above all, I have been fulfilled as a sportsman.
Ten years ago in 2021, I am absolutely convinced that the best is yet to come.
SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM
“The pride of representing my country”
One of the great dreams of every athlete is to become part of their national team and be able to represent their country in international competitions. When I was sixteen years old, I had the opportunity to be part of the Spanish national team, going through the lower categories until I made my debut with the senior team in June 2014.
For me it has always been a real pride to wear the national team shirt and to be able to share the team with the best players in our country, many of whom have become great friends.
To be able to live the experience of participating in an Olympic Games, a World Cup or a European Championship makes you feel privileged and, once again, grateful for all the great moments that football continues to give me.
BEYOND FOOTBALL
“To make the most of every moment that life gives me”
Football has allowed me to fulfil all the dreams that any athlete could have, giving me unique opportunities and fulfilling me as a professional footballer.
Despite the many trips, team training camps and full dedication to my activity, I can enjoy a quality family life, feeling the warmth of my loved ones close to me at all times. Having the best partner in the world by my side and being the father of a wonderful little girl is the true privilege that life has given me.
Limited free time teaches you to make the most of every day with your family, every dinner with friends and every second of your holidays. In my day-to-day life I also enjoy one of my great hobbies, eSports, which allows me to spend great moments of competition and fun (in the distance) with great friends.