On the occasion of AEK’s match against Real Madrid, Juancar gave an interview to the Spanish newspaper “Sport,” in which he looked back on his career and focused particularly on the years he spent in Greece playing for Panathinaikos.
The former Spanish left back spoke about his experiences in Greek soccer and also mentioned his time playing for Real Madrid.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Panathinaikos’ roster for the match against CSKA Sofia
Sánchez martínez to referee the olympiacos–PAOK derby again
José Mourinho holds a special place in his memories; he gave him the opportunity to make his professional debut with the “Merengues” first team, as well as the great players with whom he shared the locker room.
Here’s what Juancar had to say:
What is life like for a soccer player after retiring from active play?
“I thought it would be harder for me to cope with. It’s a huge and quite drastic change. However, the truth is that I’m doing well. I’m adjusting to the new situation and the different lifestyle. Now I see everything from a different perspective. It’s one thing to watch soccer from the outside and quite another to experience it on the field.”
Being so beloved by so many different teams is no easy feat. What does that mean to you?
“It’s something I often talk about with my close friends and family, and I’m truly grateful. I left every team I played for on good terms. The fans loved me a lot, and that’s something I really appreciate.
In the end, of course, people came to the stadium to watch me play soccer. However, it was important to me that they also got to know me as a person, that they understood I have a good character and that I have my own values.”
Was it hard to decide to quit soccer?
“Yes, it was difficult. In fact, I was forced to retire because of a back injury. Our minds want to keep going, but our bodies can no longer keep up. It’s a decision that’s really hard to make.”
You remain the first player from Real Madrid’s youth academy to make his debut under Mourinho during his first tenure.
“Yes, I remember I was the first to make my debut, and it’s something I’m proud of. Even more so now, given the current situation at Real Madrid and the fact that Mourinho is back there. I always say this: I owe part of what I’ve achieved in my career to Mourinho, because he gave me that opportunity.”
Out of all the players at Castilla, Mourinho chose you for the first team. How did that make you feel?
“Imagine that! At that moment, you feel like you’re in a bubble. You can’t believe it. Suddenly you’re training with Real Madrid’s first team, alongside world-class players, like the ones Real has always had. Until you’re actually there, you can’t really grasp what’s happening.”
Does today’s Real Madrid remind you of the team from your era?
“Yes, absolutely. Real Madrid had already done very well under him. He was a coach who was particularly beloved by everyone—except the journalists—because he often clashed with them. However, that was mainly because he wanted to protect his players. He’s the kind of person Real Madrid needs.”
Did he have a better roster during his first tenure or now?
“I’d say he had a better team back then. There were Xabi Alonso, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Özil, Sami Khedira… It really was an amazing team. Of course, in soccer there are different eras, and the current roster is also excellent.”
Did you expect Khedira to end up on Mourinho’s coaching staff?
“No, I really didn’t expect it. I couldn’t imagine them together in those roles, and I had no idea something like that would happen. Khedira helped me a lot when I made it to the first team. I’m really happy for both him and the coach, who’s returned to Real Madrid.”
What does Mourinho do to earn the players’ respect?
“Nothing special. I’d say that his very presence and his name command respect from the players. It’s very important to have a coach like that in the locker room.”
What’s the soccer atmosphere like in Greece?
“It’s not just about soccer, but all sports. Volleyball, water polo, basketball… It’s really crazy! You’ll see for yourselves. Real Madrid will be visiting a new stadium, which I think was built about three years ago. The truth is that in Greece, they live and breathe soccer in an incredible way. That particular stadium was one of the best experiences I had while playing for Panathinaikos.”
Is there a lot of rivalry between Greek teams?
“Yes, there’s huge rivalry! And it’s not just Panathinaikos vs. Olympiacos. There’s also Olympiacos vs. AEK, AEK vs. PAOK, and PAOK vs. Aris. There are so many major rivalries. That’s why I say that people in Greece experience soccer in a different way. From what I’ve seen, in Spain they experience soccer with incredible passion, but I’d say that in Greece they experience it a little more intensely.”
In recent years, the Greek league has become a destination for many Spanish soccer players.
“The level of the Greek league has changed a great deal—for the better. I believe this is one of the reasons so many players—especially Spaniards—choose to play there. The presence of foreign and Spanish players helps the league improve. The level has risen, and, financially speaking, teams in Greece pay quite well. I watch a lot of Greek league games.”
Have you fully recovered from your ear problem?
“I’m doing great. I had some tests done again a little while ago, and everything is absolutely fine. At the time, we were quite scared because when I arrived at the hospital, I had significant hearing loss. This was accompanied by vertigo, dizziness, and other symptoms. However, since then, my life has continued as normal. I’m completely fine now.”
On the love she received in Greece:
“I left there having built very good relationships. The love I have for the people there and the love they have for me is something that’s evident.”
*photo source: KYPE
