Bournemouth fullback Diego Rico has spoken to the Spanish media this weekend, in an interview with El Periodico De Aragaon.
The 27-year-old talked a lot about his time in his home country, as he still follows his former clubs Real Zaragoza and Leganés.
But he also showed some excitement for the return of the Premier League, as there’s a fight against relegation going on.
“On a personal level I’m satisfied and regarding the relegation we have it difficult, but it’s not impossible,” says Rico. “Let’s hope to get the points out as quickly as possible as Watford, Aston Villa, Brighton or West Ham are there in the fight with us.”
Regarding the Coronavirus break, the player was asked about Bournemouth’s return preparations and the fear of being contaminated.
“Yes, we are all waiting for that as soon as possible. But with caution we can reach normality and having that clear date to return, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We started training alone, then in groups and this week we have already done it all together, we have also done about two tests a week.
“I wouldn’t say fear, but I do have enough respect, with all the deaths that have occurred. In my family my brother and father are at risk, a contagion would be more dangerous for them and I was with both of them in Burgos since the league stopped until the beginning of May.”
Bournemouth paid Leganés a fee of €15m to sign Diego Rico in 2015. That was a huge profit for the Spanish side, who had spent only €1m to get him the year before.
“Honestly, I never imagined that a club could pay all that for me, for a left back who had only been in the first division for two years. I was surprised, they put a lot of confidence in me and it’s appreciated.”
With 37 appearances for Bournemouth so far, Rico has been Eddie Howe’s first choice for the left-back position this season. But when asked about his future, the player didn’t sound very certain about it.
“I have a two-year contract and a lot can happen. You never know.”
Regarding a return to Real Zaragoza, he certainly seems to be keen on the idea at some stage.
“Yes, but who knows, it’s difficult to predict in the long term. Zaragoza feels like my home, I was very happy there and would have no problem returning one day. I do not close that door, neither to Leganés, where I also felt like one more.”
