Borja Valero says he ‘feels like an idol’ at Fiorentina and that ‘it’s the team that’s made me feel more important than any other.’
The Spanish midfielder scored his side’s equaliser in their eventual 2-1 win over Champions League rivals Inter at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.
The 31-year-old discussed the adjustments he’s made since arriving in Italy, but says ‘I don’t know if I’ll retire here’.
Borja Valero says he ‘feels like an idol’ at Fiorentina and that ‘it’s the team that’s made me feel more important than any other.’
The Spanish midfielder scored his side’s equaliser in their eventual 2-1 win over Champions League rivals Inter at the Artemio Franchi on Sunday.
The 31-year-old discussed the adjustments he’s made since arriving in Italy, but says ‘I don’t know if I’ll retire here’.
“At this point of my career I’m very happy, I had an ugly period before arriving in Florence, but it’s over now,” he told Spanish outlet AS.
“When I arrived in Italy many things changed: the way of sleeping, the mentality, the lifestyle and also how I eat. I try not to consume milk, sugar, wheat, very little salt and I eat a lot of fruit.
“I love Florence a lot, my family and I are doing really well here. Moreover I feel like an idol, I’m much loved.
“It’s the team that’s made me feel more important than any other. I don’t know if I’ll retire with Fiorentina, but to tell you the truth I’m a little concerned about my age. I’m no longer in the ascendancy phase of my career.
“I’ve almost always been a playmaker in midfield of two or even five. When I was in Madrid I was a trequartista, but in modern football this doesn’t exist anymore.
“Now we prefer a faster, more physical game. My position on the pitch with Fiorentina is very delicate, I have the responsibility to maintain the balance of the team and take advantage of set pieces.”