Iago Aspas: “I had a really good season at Liverpool... we almost won the league"
The Celta Vigo forward spoke to AS about the upcoming World Cup, interest from Atlético, and who he wants to win the Champions League final.
AS spoke to Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas ahead of his side’s visit to the Bernabéu to face Real Madrid on Saturday afternoon. Aspas – the highest-scoring Spanish player in LaLiga – discussed the World Cup and who he’ll be backing in the Champions League final.
World Cup would be a 'dream'
Are you fully recovered from injury?
Yes, I'm feeling much better. Ideally I'll come in to this match refreshed because I've been sidelined for 25 days, but my team-mates also deserve to play.
You suffered an injury one month before the World Cup squad announcement… did it keep you awake at night?
Above all in the first week, but mainly because of the team's situation. We were so close to our objective, we were almost touching it with our fingertips. On a personal level it was a shame because I think I was in a good spell of form.
Does it irritate you that the debate is whether you'll go to the World Cup at all, rather than whether you'll start for Spain?
That's a question for the people. I'm working hard to be in the squad. If I manage that, I'll try to play as much as possible. I've always said that it's a dream to go to a World Cup and if I have to go there and encourage the others, I'd do that no problem.
Real Madrid or Liverpool in the Champions League?
Before the World Cup, Real Madrid face Liverpool, your former side, in the Champions League final…
I had a really good season at Liverpool. I didn't play much but we were close to winning the Premier League. On the other hand, Real Madrid are a Spanish team. I don't know who I'll root for, maybe Liverpool because of my past there, even though I've got friends at Real Madrid.
Will teams be willing to meet the €40 million buy-out clause in your contract at Celta?
I don't know. It seems like a lot of money to me. I've always said that I feel at home at Celta and I signed a new deal last year. That said, you never know what will happen in the future.
Apparently Atlético Madrid are interested in you. Would you fit in to Simeone's style?
Good footballers have to fit in to any team. That's the case there with Griezmann. It's flattering to be linked with other teams but I'm focussing on getting some minutes and going to the World Cup.
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