Leeds United star Pablo Hernández has been interviewed by Spanish outlet Marca this week.
A few days ago, the Elland Road side announced his new deal with the club, with a contract which should run until the summer of 2022.
That’s why Marca asked him if he’s planning to retire at the English side, and he says he’s not looking for at his long term future for now.
“It’s my fourth season here, I have signed for two more years and when I finish my contract in 2022 I’ll be 37,” Hernandez told Marca.
“I’m aware that the end of my career is coming, but physically I feel very well, with great enthusiasm and as long as I feel that I am at the same level as the rest, I’ll continue playing. I hope we go up and I can enjoy this club in the Premier League. I don’t look beyond.”
Asked about the love that Leeds United fans feel for him, Hernández has claimed this is one of the reasons which convinced him to sign this new deal with the club.
“I’ve been discovering a club that I already knew since those Champions League finals against Valencia, when I was at the academy. It’s a team that has a great impact inside and outside England. When we went to the preseason in Australia there were many fans. It’s a pride to feel so valued and loved by the fans and the club. It is an extra motivation and one of the reasons why I decided to continue.”
On the chances to get promoted to the Premier League this season, Hernandez said: “There’s a great desire to be promoted. Last year we were very close and we are back there, in the top positions since the first day. It’s a very long league, but we’re on the right track.”
He’s also been quizzed about the work Victor Orta has been doing at the club, claiming that the he’s had a crucial part in this new contract: “Yes, he’s doing a great job. Personally, I’m happy. He’s been one of the people who bet on me in this renewal that has become official now. We’re enjoying it here because it’s a club that although in Championship, for fanbase and history, is a Premier League club and deserves to be in the Premier League. And we are all helping to get promoted.”
On his compatriot Kiko Casilla, Hernandez says the goalkeeper has adapted to this new reality in the Championship: “We have a very good relationship. We’re neighbours and since he arrived I tried to help him and his family to adapt as soon as possible. We are both working for Leeds to return to the Premier League and living a very good experience. He comes from a great club like Real Madrid, but he’s seeing that Leeds are a great in England and enjoying a lot.”
The amount times Hernandez mentioned ‘Premier League’ throughout the interview shows just how aware he is of what the club needs to do this season.
