Rodrigo Ely: 'UD Almería is the Club of my life'

Rodrigo Ely has paid an emotional tribute to UD Almería, describing the Andalusian side as the most important Club of his footballing career despite previously representing European giants such as AC Milan.

Speaking in an interview with UDA Radio, the Brazilian centre-back did not hide his feelings.

'In football it’s not about kissing the badge for the cameras. It’s about wearing it with pride, looking after it and above all, respecting it. UD Almería is the Club of my life. I feel at home because this is where I truly found myself,' he explained.

The 32-year-old defender believes the Club have the complete package in a player who contributes both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.

'I try to contribute wherever I’m needed. The word leader has never weighed on me because I’ve had that responsibility since I was very young and at every stage of my footballing career. The most important thing for a leader is to set the example every single day,' he said.

Ely also stressed that his motivation goes beyond what happens on the pitch.'I feel that I can contribute a lot on the pitch, but also in the dressing room with my team-mates and within the Club itself. I’m very happy here.'

The Brazilian centre-back was a key figure in UD Almería’s previous promotion campaign and when asked about similarities with the current season, he pointed to several important factors: 'We start with the same head coach as that time and that’s already a very important foundation. The quality is also similar to that team. But that alone is not enough. We all have to move in the same direction and think about collective objectives rather than individual ones.'

Reflecting on his return to the Club, the Rojiblanco summed up his feelings with a simple but powerful line: 'I get goosebumps every time I think about putting this shirt on again. I feel at home. This city is spectacular.'