Marcos Peña: "I feel a great sense of pride representing Almería"
The UD Almería youngster shared his feelings in a press conference after his first game as a first-team starter, highlighting the unwavering support of the team and the enormous importance of constant work to keep it up: "I need to continue working and learning"
UD Almería youngster Marcos Peña has met the media at a press conference to share his feelings about his debut in the top flight and the youth player highlighted: 'This moment is what I've been working for since I started playing this sport.' The Almería native, a year ago, also sat in the press room at the Power Horse Stadium to talk about the Spanish Cup U19 round of 16 and assured that back then he did not think that this opportunity would arise: 'I wouldn't have imagined it because I'm very young.'
The 19-year-old player, who from now on will join first-team training on a regular basis, says what the whole process was like until he started in Las Palmas: 'I spoke to Pepe Mel on Saturday, he told me that I was going to be called up, he was asking if I was ready... because he was considering giving me a starting spot, but until the morning before the game, I didn't know I was going to play.'
The midfielder also opened up about how he felt the night before and although 'I was nervous, I had a good night sleep.'
Regarding the match against UD Las Palmas, Marcos Peña stated: 'I felt comfortable, I wasn't outmatched at any time, the head coach asked me to press high and I feel good doing that.' Furthermore, he highlighted that the most experienced players in the squad helped him face the encounter: 'They told me to be calm, to play as I always did in training, not to be afraid and to show my personality.'
The Almería-born midfielder knows his route plan perfectly from now on, having his feet on the ground and have perseverance: 'I've played in the Primera Division, but being a regular requires perseverance and discipline. I need to continue working and learning. I have it clear.'
'I'm filled with immense joy and satisfaction. I'm very proud of myself,' he added.
If there is one person who has had a notable influence on this top tier debut, it is the UD Almería 'B' gaffer, who gave him the first opportunity. The UD Almería youth player is aware of that: 'I'm very grateful to Alberto Lasarte, I wouldn't have been where I am without him.'
'I feel a great sense of pride representing Almería city,' Peña concluded.