Marco Asensio: “I feel better than I did before the injury”

Marco Asensio earned his first start of the season vs Levante. The former Mallorca man showed glimpses of his best form. Donning his new number, the #11, Asensio knows that this year is his best opportunity for breaking into the starting XI and cementing a position on the right wing. In a lengthy interview with Onda Cero, Asensio discussed coming back from his injury, the impact of Zidane, Luis Enrique’s quotes, and the expectations he is looking to fulfill.

Coming back from injury

“My injury is an experience that has strengthened me in all ways. The injury has changed me. Everyday is a battle against yourself, trying to improve. Every day there is a different goal because if not, you take a step back in the recovery process. You go from playing football to not being able to move. Rehabilitation was hard, a lot of pain at first, it’s a constant fight against yourself”

“Many days I had to ask myself if I would ever play again. There was also simple yet exciting moments that I will never forget. The simple fact of walking without it hurting at all was an incredible moment. Then I started running again, then playing again, and then scoring after 25 seconds.”

His mother’s Interaction with Florentino Perez when he was a young boy

“My mother was Dutch and she met my father while on vacation. She was very outgoing, one day when I was a child, we met Florentino Perez walking down the street. She told him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.”

“You are never prepared for the death of a mother, even less with 15 years of age. My father is an exemplary father. He, my brother, and I are very close — as my mother would have wanted. We remember her every day.”

Zidane

“Zidane is a very sincere coach, he brings a lot of calmness. He has delivered many titles for Madrid, every year surpassing himself. When I was a child, I had a poster of his volley in my room.”

“Of course I would like to be in the starting eleven, but it is up to the coach. I feel the same, if not better, than I did before the injury.”

Hazard

“Hazard is in good spirits, he seems very well. It is a difficult moment for him because he has not been used to injuries and it is just back luck what has happened to him, As soon as he feels good, I am sure he will regain his confidence quickly.”

Luis Enrique’s Comments

“When he said that, I was not watching Netflix. I was ill with the flu. It is natural that he didn’t like the question because I know he doesn’t like talking about people who have not been called up. I have a very good relationship with him, he’s a great guy and rather funny”

“It’s a bit strange these days because it’s been a long time since I have been called up for Spain, but I’ll keep working to get back. I enjoyed the two games, they were different be because the opponent also influences your style, but Luis Enrique’s team always goes out to win”

Expectations

“I have always noted that people expect a lot from me, I have always noted that pressure, but I have the desire to return that confidence with titles.”

Rafa Nadal

“I did not know Nadal prior to playing for Madrid. He, without knowing me personally, called Florentino saying there was a boy in Mallorca was doing very well.”