‘I’d love to make my mark on a promotion to the top flight. It's our turn this year’
Jose Corpas has made his 100th appearance as a Rojiblanco player of driving ambition
It is not usual in this modern football for a player to defend the same club’s badge for a long time and Corpas have gifted UD Almeria plenty of great moments in 100 appearances since 2018: ‘One hundred games are not fulfilled every day. I’m really happy here and grateful for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to making it one hundred and one and many more.’ The 29-year-old right-winger confessed on UDA Radio the formula: ‘Work is non-negotiable. I’ve been aware of that since I’ve become a player. I might be more or less successful in a game but work is non-negotiable and I highly consider that it’s essential in football. Ambition, enthusiasm and desire are vital to perform well.’
Recalling his first official match appearance for UD Almería against Cádiz CF, Corpas looked back on in career in Almeria: ‘I adapted quickly to the Second Division thanks to my team-mates who have helped me so much and those responsible for my signing. They gave me good advice. Professionally, my greatest achievement has been in relation to knowing how to make better decisions during a game and being aware that in this league you can’t relax. UD Almería was my first professional destination and practically the first time I left my hometown.’ Regarding his next goals, he pointed out: ‘I’ve always been about setting myself short-term goals. At Linares Deportivo I only thought about that season. At Marbella FC, I only wanted to participate in the play-offs, which was the main objective. By signing for UD Almería, I was seeking to get minutes and then make it to the starting eleven eventually. Right now, I want more. I’m really excited. I’m not satisfied though. Hopefully this year I can do my bit and contribute to win promotion to the top flight.’
José Corpas is one of the team's skippers and the second top goalscorer for the time being: ‘It’s a pride and responsibility to wear the captain’s armband. We’re a squad with young players and I always try to share with my peers my experience. Above all, I want to make my mark on promoting to the First Division, which is any footballer’s dream. My goal is to help the team out move up to Primera. It’s high time Almeria won promotion,’ he exclaimed.