Aleix García's sweetest moment
Among the many new faces in this Spain squad, already stationed in Limassol preparing to play this Thursday's match (6 p.m.) against Cyprus, Aleix García especially stands out and is now looking to make the most of his first chance with the National Team. Having previously featured for the youth teams, now, in his prime, he is thumping on the door of the first team and happy to be getting his first taste of playing for Spain.
"I'm happy, enjoying every moment here. At the beginning I was a bit nervous, I think that's normal, but I'm already enjoying training with my team-mates and looking forward to tomorrow's game," he says excitedly.
Aleix Garcia, born in Ulldecona, is a crucial midfield pillar for Girona, who are amazingly top of La Primera and playing some top football along the way. Aleix is enjoying it hugely and wants to continue keeping playing standards high, with a third of the season played. "I'm happy to be making history at Girona, it's the club that has given me everything professionally. We are leaders and that has helped Luis (De La Fuente) to notice some of us".
He says he´s adapting quickly, also helped by the fact that he already knows many of his teammates: "They are all very friendly, they have welcomed me very well. We (new players) haven't had the chance to sing a song yet, but we'll get through it with confidence and with the desire to enjoy it". And he has a special word for Pau Torres and Rodrigo, with whom he played with at Villarreal. "I'm happy to play here with them, they have helped me a lot in the first few days.
He knew that there was talk about getting a call up for the national team and last Friday he got the news, he tells us how he found out. "It was at the end of the training session leading up to the Rayo match. The team doctor had a mobile phone while we were on the training pitch, the doctor gave us the news and my team-mates were jumping up and down with joy and everyone was very happy for me. I'm here thanks to what the team is doing".
Like so many others who have worn the national team shirt for the youth teams, Aleix´ qualities are not a surprise to Luis de la Fuente, who tries to transmit all his trust to the Catalan. And Aleix keeps in mind all those who have helped him get this far, remembering that before the smiles there were also some difficult moments. "I remember everyone who has been by my side. My partner, my family, my friends... They have been there in the difficult moments and now they are enjoying the good times that are coming".