Armando González told his compatriots that he is happy with what he has found at Olympiacos. The Mexican forward is currently with his country’s national team for the matches against Jamaica as part of the CONCACAF Nations League playoffs. He spoke in detail about:
-His first day at Olympiacos: “It was like the first day of school. I was very happy at Chivas, where I’d built a family. I’d been there since I was 15; I spent eight years at the club and lived at its facilities for six years. Suddenly, I had to go to a new environment, with new teammates and different facilities. It was strange, but everyone made me feel right at home. I have teammates who speak Spanish, and the coaches are from Spain, too. That really helped me with communication. It was a new challenge that I really wanted, and I was excited.”
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
On the similarities between Greek and Mexican soccer: “I think the common element is passion. In Mexico, we experience everything with passion, but the same is true in Greece. Greeks love sports a lot, whether it’s soccer or basketball. The league is tough, with a strong physical element. That’s an important similarity between the two countries.”
On the goal against PAOK: “When I entered the game, I tried to take advantage of my teammates’ movements. When the winger had the ball, I tried to hide from the center back and move into the box without him noticing me. As soon as the cross came in, I realized it was time to go for the ball and get into the most dangerous area. I moved behind the defender, and the ball came exactly where it needed to. The most important factor was my movement and the strategy to evade the opposing defender’s marking.”
On how the nickname “Hormiga” came about: “When I was little, my brothers were attacked by ants in my hometown. I was very afraid of those insects, and one of my uncles started calling me ‘Hormiga.’ That’s how the nickname stuck, and I really love it.”
On his pets: “I’m so glad you remember that I have a big turtle in Greece. I also have my cat, and I miss him so much.”
*photo source: AP
