Sergio Arribas: ‘It's an honour to reach 100 UD Almería games'
The UD Almería attacking midfielder reflects on two-and-a-half seasons at the Club that opened the door to top-flight football
Sergio Arribas has celebrated his century of appearances for UD Almería with pride, describing the milestone as ‘an honour’ achieved at the Club that ‘gave me the opportunity to make the leap to the elite of Spanish football’. In an interview with the Club’s official media, the attacking midfielder looked back on his two-and-a-half seasons in Almería, a period marked by personal growth and significant team challenges.
The Madrid-born player recalled a turbulent summer in 2023: ‘It was quite hectic because I knew I was going to leave Real Madrid CF. There were many conversations with UD Almería, especially with João Gonçalves, and we finally decided to join because of their interest in me and the opportunity they offered me to get playing time in LaLiga.’
His first season in Spanish football’s top tier proved far from conventional. ‘It was very difficult for us to win the opening match and we were relegated,’ he admitted, reflecting on a campaign that fell short of expectations.
In the 2024/25 season, the Rojiblancos narrowly missed out on an immediate return to top-tier LaLiga. Now in his third year at the Club, the 24-year-old senses renewed determination: ‘I see my team eager to make amends for the previous season and make our shared dream of returning to the top division a reality.’
Asked about the moments that have marked him most in Almería, Arribas did not hesitate: ‘My debut against Rayo Vallecano and my first goal against Real Madrid CF here in our Stadium.’
Throughout his time at UD Almería, Arribas has consistently contributed goals and assists, a responsibility he embraces as the link between midfield and attack. While pleased with his numbers and upward trajectory, he insisted: ‘The most important thing is the team.’
Off the pitch, Arribas highlighted how well he and his family have settled in the province. ‘Almería is a very beautiful place to live. My family and I are very happy here. There are areas I'd recommend to anyone visiting the province, such as the beaches of Mónsul, Los Genoveses… in general, everything in the Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.’