Alba: Initially I didn’t want to play full-back, but Emery asked me to change my position and I succeeded

October 30th Alba, who is about to retire at the end of the season, reviewed his career in an exclusive interview with "Daily Sports".

Looking back on the past, what do you think of?

"My career started from the starting point, passed through Cornellà, then to Valencia, and then to Barcelona. I can't help but sigh. I am very satisfied with my achievements. First of all, I have a very good growing environment. My parents and younger brothers will give me advice, but more about my words and deeds. In terms of football, they gave me a lot of freedom. From now on, it seems very important. There are many parents who do not let their children enjoy football. The joy of playing football, in this regard, the attitude of my parents throughout my career was exemplary."

"In addition, I met many excellent coaches. I initially played for the Hospitalense club, but was quickly signed by Barcelona, which is one of the best youth training centers in the world. As a player, I have kept this in mind since I was a child. "

The process of growing up was full of hardships and not easy...

"Barcelona gave up on me, so I went to Cornellà and played there for two years. At first, I didn't get a chance, but I quickly adjusted my condition and started to get playing time. Then Valencia signed me, and then I went to Tarragona, and then returned to the Valencia first team. Sa. We are talking about a very successful, very good career because of my transition from winger to full-back. I often talk to many young people who are not willing to play this position, and I tell them that it is because of my change that I have a successful career.

"No, I don't want to. Mainly because I played most of the time as an attacking midfielder and for one or two years as a winger. But for some reasons, they put me in the full-back position. This was Emery's decision. We discussed it many times. I didn't want to play as a full-back, but it was because of this change that I was able to be successful."

What do you think makes you stand out?

"I didn't play for many clubs early on, but I had a positive environment growing up and never made excuses. I always asked myself what I could improve on, and I was surrounded by great teammates. I asked veterans for advice, talked with coaches, and worked hard to improve myself. That's what I've always done. I have met very good coaches and teammates who have helped me and now I have been helping young players as I have grown up in my career and now I can contribute, not only to the first team, but also to the project. Including youth training. "

Talking about the key to playing against Barcelona when playing for Valencia

"I will think of many people, including teammates, but perhaps the most key person is Emery. The adjustment of the position and all the help he gave me were very important. I almost didn't play for a year. It was because of that position adjustment that I started to get opportunities. Because of the lack of game opportunities at the time, I even missed the U21 European Cup. But three months later, I was called up by the national team. This was a turning point in my career, and Emery was the key."

How does it feel to go from La Liga to MLS?

"Frankly, I am surprised by the level of MLS. It is developing rapidly and not only attracting some stars, but also many good young players. I think from a physical perspective, this is a really good league, and of course, there is a lot to improve. But overall, I am very satisfied with coming here and experiencing this level of football."

What do you miss the most?

"What I miss most is competition. This feeling will never happen again. I will also miss daily training, teammates and training days, all of which will make me miss it. As time goes by, I am more and more aware that I am entering a new stage, and I am full of expectations for it. I believe Believe in your choice. Although leaving football will make me sad, I know that it will all end sooner or later. I left in good physical condition, and more importantly, I gave it my all. When you give your all, you will feel more relaxed and happy mentally. I feel calm and happy."