Matías Oyola did not imagine in 2009, when he arrived at Barcelona from his native Argentina, who would be “so many years” in the club that he now recognizes as his “place in the world”.
The 37-year-old bullfighter captain and Ecuadorian national in 2012 cannot ask for so much more in his sports career, for which he feels “very comfortable”, he confessed in dialogue with the Argentine media. World D.
“One always dreams of succeeding in this (football). And luckily I found my place in the world: in Ecuador, in Barcelona ”, said the midfielder, national champion with the Canaries in 2012 and 2016; In addition, semifinalist in the Libertadores Cup 2017.
Arisen from the inferiors of River Plate, it took six years of travel by various teams in his country of origin for Oyola to land at the Guayaquil institution.
“They are already eleven years old. It is a long time really. I am happy to have made the decision to have come here at that time (2009). I feel that it has gone well for me, beyond the sporting achievements, there is the affection that people show you, the stability of my family, living in a very respectful society. We are happy in Guayaquil, seeing our (two) children grow in a way that pleases us ”, he expressed.
His merits in performance and his symbolic weight in the bullfighting squad led the ‘Pony’ to be selected from Ecuador. He debuted with the Tri in 2016 and came to appear in the playoffs by Russia World Cup 2018.
In addition, according to Barcelona records, Oyola is the first canary who converted at least one official goal in eleven consecutive seasons. He is also the player born outside of Ecuador who has worn the yellow shirt for the most consecutive seasons.
Backing out? ‘Not yet’
That remarkable journey inspires the driver to continue playing while acknowledging that he is “closer than before the end” of his career as a professional.
“This year I’m turning 38 (on October 15) and it doesn’t cross my mind to stop playing. I feel good, I train to be better, because on the court you have to face young people who are sometimes even 20 years younger than me, “he said.
Oyola finally reiterated the recognition of the Barcelona fans to him: “We have made a nice bond with people, they recognize the effort you make, being a good professional on and off the pitch. A mutual affection has been generated with Barcelona. I am really very happy with the race that I have been able to achieve; I found a beautiful city in Guayaquil. ” (D)
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