Watford fullback Kiko Femenia has spoken to Spanish outlet Diario Información this week, in an interview which turned out to be pretty interesting.
Diario Información is based in Alicante, the same city where Hércules, the player’s first club, is also based. So most of the conversation was about the difference between England and his old home.
“I adapted quite quickly, much better than I thought, despite being my first experience abroad,” Femenia said. “But obviously now I have understood everything better, I know how the club works, the competition, the life outside football.
“Now I am enjoying it more and it also helps that Watford is a very friendly club. Also, now I have played again and I am very happy.”
Femenía has praised the atmosphere at Vicarage Road, and when asked if this is the biggest difference between the two countries, he agrees.
“Yes, definitely. To any friend who comes, I ask him what has impressed him the most and they all tell me the same thing. It has nothing to do with Spain, here football is much more lived, it’s more passionate and the atmosphere is impressive before, during and after the game…
“I wouldn’t know how to explain it, the truth is that it is a very different mentality from the Spanish. For example in some grounds there are even fireworks before the games, it’s like a great show.”
That’s why the player is proud of the move he made to Watford in 2017, and now plans to stay in the Premier League for a long time.
Asked to confirm he doesn’t regret accepting the Hornets’ offer when he had bids from other countries, he said: “No, no, not at all. Moreover, I was right. Since I was little I wanted to play in the Premier, it was a dream, I watched the games on TV and I dreamed of trying my luck someday.
“I am delighted and hopefully I can continue for many years, to say that I would like to retire here, maybe it sounds strong because I am still 27 years old, but I wouldn’t mind. In addition, my football also adapts perfectly to the game here, which is very offensive and vertical.”
Femenía was also quizzed about the stadium that impressed him most: “Liverpool’s. Anfield is a show, I got goosebumps for the atmosphere, go out to play and see the whole tier singing the anthem ‘a capella’ is awesome, I will never forget it. But as I said before, in every pitch you breathe football, there are many people, they are passionate and that is very nice for the players.”
The Spaniard was also asked about the most difficult attackers he’s had to play against: “There are many top guys in the Premier, but Sané or Hazard come to mind. But each game is a challenge, there is a lot of high level, that’s why this league is so attractive.”
The full interview, which we definitely recommend a read, is available on Diario Información’s website.
