Ima, after more than eight months, you finally returned to action, although it was just a for the B-team. How did it feel?
I felt great. It took a really long time, but I can finally train fully with the team again. When I got injured back in August, my first thought was that I wanted to finish the season on the pitch. I worked really hard to make that goal a reality. I think I’m in good shape and I feel good in training. Now it’s up to the coaches whether I’ll get a chance with the first team.
I felt great. It took a really long time, but I can finally train fully with the team again. When I got injured back in August, my first thought was that I wanted to finish the season on the pitch. I worked really hard to make that goal a reality. I think I’m in good shape and I feel good in training. Now it’s up to the coaches whether I’ll get a chance with the first team.
How did your April appearance for the B-team come about?
The coaching staff approached me with the idea that it could be a good way to ease back into match rhythm. I also spoke with the B-team coach, Luboš Loučka. It made sense to me – I need to get back into form. And it turned out to be an ideal match to start with.
The coaching staff approached me with the idea that it could be a good way to ease back into match rhythm. I also spoke with the B-team coach, Luboš Loučka. It made sense to me – I need to get back into form. And it turned out to be an ideal match to start with.
But you were already back running around at the Strahov training centre months ago. Did that give you extra energy for the final phase of your recovery?
I spent the first phase of my rehab back home in Spain. Then I returned to Prague, where training sessions with Malas really motivated me a lot. I could also watch my teammates during training and matches. That part was hard because I love football. In my opinion, it’s the best job in the world. That’s why I pushed myself even harder to be ready to help the team as soon as possible. It’s in those tough moments that you really learn to appreciate the good ones.
I spent the first phase of my rehab back home in Spain. Then I returned to Prague, where training sessions with Malas really motivated me a lot. I could also watch my teammates during training and matches. That part was hard because I love football. In my opinion, it’s the best job in the world. That’s why I pushed myself even harder to be ready to help the team as soon as possible. It’s in those tough moments that you really learn to appreciate the good ones.
Let’s go back to the beginning of the injury. Did you know straight away it was serious?
Absolutely. Unfortunately, I’ve had experience with this. Two and a half years ago, I had a serious Achilles injury, so I know when something bad happens. As soon as I went down in that game against Bohemians, I knew it would be a big problem.
Absolutely. Unfortunately, I’ve had experience with this. Two and a half years ago, I had a serious Achilles injury, so I know when something bad happens. As soon as I went down in that game against Bohemians, I knew it would be a big problem.
What went through your mind when you realized how long you'd be out?
Well, the length of recovery always depends on the individual case. Some players recover faster, others need more time. From my experience, it’s best not to set a specific return date. If you do and then miss it, it can hit you mentally. It’s better to trust the process and take it step by step.
Well, the length of recovery always depends on the individual case. Some players recover faster, others need more time. From my experience, it’s best not to set a specific return date. If you do and then miss it, it can hit you mentally. It’s better to trust the process and take it step by step.
I believe better days are ahead. I'll do everything I can to make that happen.
Was it even tougher mentally because you had just joined a new team and, for the first time in your career, moved abroad?
My first month at Sparta was great. All of the teammates and the staff really helped me a lot. As I mentioned, the club allowed me to spend the first part of rehab in Spain. But once I returned to the pitch, I came back here because I wanted to be with the team. I’ve felt good here – both in the club and in the city. And once I start playing regularly again, I’ll be even happier. I believe better days are ahead. I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.
My first month at Sparta was great. All of the teammates and the staff really helped me a lot. As I mentioned, the club allowed me to spend the first part of rehab in Spain. But once I returned to the pitch, I came back here because I wanted to be with the team. I’ve felt good here – both in the club and in the city. And once I start playing regularly again, I’ll be even happier. I believe better days are ahead. I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.
You grew up at Athletic Club. Did anyone from Bilbao reach out during your recovery?
Of course. I received messages from the club president, the sporting director, and my former teammates. I spent basically my whole career there and I have a lot of friends at the club, so their support meant a lot to me. Even my family has been long-time season ticket holders. My dad and uncle hardly ever miss a match. I prefer watching with friends on TV, so I didn’t go to the stadium during rehab.
Of course. I received messages from the club president, the sporting director, and my former teammates. I spent basically my whole career there and I have a lot of friends at the club, so their support meant a lot to me. Even my family has been long-time season ticket holders. My dad and uncle hardly ever miss a match. I prefer watching with friends on TV, so I didn’t go to the stadium during rehab.
How are you enjoying life in Prague so far?
During the week, I spend most of my time at Strahov. In the afternoons, I still have some rehab sessions. But when my family, friends or girlfriend come to visit, I love going into the city center. It’s beautiful. One thing that really surprised me, though, is the weather. I expected it to be worse! Sure, it was really cold from December to February. But after March, it got much better. Sometimes even nicer than in Bilbao, where it’s windy and rainy by the sea. Here, the sun shines most of the time.
During the week, I spend most of my time at Strahov. In the afternoons, I still have some rehab sessions. But when my family, friends or girlfriend come to visit, I love going into the city center. It’s beautiful. One thing that really surprised me, though, is the weather. I expected it to be worse! Sure, it was really cold from December to February. But after March, it got much better. Sometimes even nicer than in Bilbao, where it’s windy and rainy by the sea. Here, the sun shines most of the time.
Who do you get along with best in the dressing room?
Definitely with Angelo. We have a special bond, especially since we both speak Spanish.
Definitely with Angelo. We have a special bond, especially since we both speak Spanish.
And since we’re talking languages, how’s your Czech coming along?
Not great. It’s a really tough language. I’ve spoken Basque since birth, and even for foreigners or Spaniards it’s almost impossible to learn. But I think Czech might be even harder for me.
Not great. It’s a really tough language. I’ve spoken Basque since birth, and even for foreigners or Spaniards it’s almost impossible to learn. But I think Czech might be even harder for me.
Last question – are you 100% ready now?
Yes, I feel very good and ready to help the team. I’m happy to be playing again. There are three weeks left in the season, and I hope I’ll get back out on the pitch.
Yes, I feel very good and ready to help the team. I’m happy to be playing again. There are three weeks left in the season, and I hope I’ll get back out on the pitch.
