In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it - and comes back a better player. If I had ever left, it would have been to England.
Interpretation
Xavi praises the respect and integrity of football in England compared to Spain.
In this quote, Xavi reflects on his admiration for English football, highlighting its higher level of respect and integrity compared to the Spanish game. He suggests that the values prevalent in English football could have significantly contributed to a player's development, indicating that he sees England as a place where the sport is played more nobly and honorably.
In practice
This quote could be used in a motivational speech for young athletes seeking to improve their game.
In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.
In football, the result is an impostor. You can do things really, really well but not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting - a legacy.
In futsal, you see whether a player is really talented. You notice the small details in quality, class and tactical understanding.
I spend the entire 90 minutes looking for space on the pitch. I'm always between the opposition's two holding midfielders and thinking, 'The defence is here, so I get the ball and I go there to where the space is.'
I think, as a rookie, what guys need to be judged on most coming in the league is feel. Not skill, not shooting, not stats, not even passing, but that feel for the game, the ability to read situations and make the right play.
It's never over until we're shaking hands at the net. Then you've either won or you've lost, and - either way - you look them in the eye and say, 'Well played, mate.'
I couldn't ask for better teammates, and the Pirate fans are the greatest in baseball.
We have tried to get closer to them, but we never copied anybody, we always tried to play our football
Technique is not being able to juggle a ball 1000 times. Anyone can do that by practicing. Then you can work in the circus. Technique is passing the ball with one touch, with the right speed, at the right foot of your team mate.
Baseball's future? Bigger and bigger, better and better! No question about it, it's the greatest game there is!
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