Rodrigo Riquelme came up through the ranks of Atlético Madrid’s academy and has been out on loan since the summer of 2020, when he joined AFC Bournemouth.
The Cherries took the winger on a temporary deal for one campaign, when they were in the Championship during the 2020/21 season.
He featured 16 times in the league and that included only two starts. The 22-year-old managed to score one goal while operating mainly on the wings during his spell at Bournemouth.
Riquelme joined Girona on loan in the last window and is now a vital part of the Spain U21 squad. When discussing his development, the player detailed how his time in England helped him, even though he hardly started matches for Bournemouth.
“They have been short steps, but I think they are the right ones. My time at Bournemouth helped me not so much football-wise but personally and mentally. Many of the things I do today, the automatisms I have for training, guidelines, food… are things that I picked up there,” he told Marca.
“And in Girona I am very well. We have started very well, and we have a good team. The coach is an exceptional coach, close and friendly.”
The Spaniard has been the subject of constant praise in recent times. When asked whether keeping his feet on the ground is key, Riquelme pointed out a detail from his loan stay at Bournemouth.
“I try to take it as naturally as possible. I think it’s the best way to get where you want, but it’s also my personality, it’s not something I force. I live day by day and do not look beyond,” Riquelme explained.
“Then you go to Bournemouth, and you get a reality check. You watch real football. There was a great team there with Danjuma, Solanke… More accomplished than me. I learned a lot. Positive things come out of all the moments that are not so good, and you have to feed on that too.”
