Robert Sánchez’ homecoming

The Spain-Denmark game on this 12th of October, Spain’s National Day, has special significance for one of Luis de la Fuente’s squad. The national team returns to the Region of Murcia, and Robert Sánchez, who hails from Cartagena, is all smiles. He left home very young, and now he returns to his roots as one of the national team’s goalkeepers – all the sacrifices along the way have been worth it. “I’m really excited to be back. I’ve seen family members I hadn’t seen in a long time, like my grandparents… In terms of football, the last time I played in the area was 12 years ago. I’ve been waiting for this moment for many years.”

At the Enrique Roca stadium in Murcia, with more than 30,000 fans cheering on the national team, there will be many familiar faces for Robert Sánchez. “After 10 or 11 years away, I was really excited to come back to the region to play a football match. I’ve got lots of family and friends who are coming to watch the game,” he comments emotionally. “It was a dream, a dream I have been waiting to make happen. It seemed like I’d never reach it, but after taking advantage of the opportunities that came my way, it’s finally coming true.”

Everyone wants to acknowledge his journey, and the Murcian Football Federation, which is also celebrating its centenary in 2024, wanted to honour Robert Sánchez with a very special gift. “It was the shirt I wore in the Spanish Championships with the Murcian U12 team in 2009. They brought me the original one, and you could see it was old and worn. I wasn’t expecting it, and it made me really happy.”

With his local accent still intact, something you never lose, Robert remembers all his loved ones on this emotional 12th of October. “It’s a source of great pride to return to my home region with the national team. Whether I play or not, I hope my people enjoy the team’s performance – it’s been a long time since we last came here.”