Adama Traore: Have faith and believe in Spain

The Euros have been tough so far. How are you taking on the Slovakia game?

We’re looking forward to getting back to Seville, showing our desire on the pitch. I believe totally in this team, the coach and the project. I’m sure we will go through. 

You arrived with a physical issue. How do you feel now, physically?

I am good. For my characteristics as an explosive player sometimes I have to take more care with my muscles. Each player should control their injuries in different ways. A midfielder who runs long distances is different. I’m good now and ready to return the ‘feedback’ the coach has given me.

Sometimes they say you are TOO strong?

When I started to do gym and weights, I got very big. That’s something I have to control. I have to look at my weight and know where i can get to. It’s part of my growth as a player.

You’re spark, electricity…

That’s part of my game since I was little, I like to play like that. I want to have part of my idols, that’s how I play and try to help the team.

Who are your idols?

Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazario, Messi and Cristiano too, but (the former two) are those who I’ve admired most since I was little.

Two strong players physically.

Yes I always remember the anecdote that Ronaldinho trained a lot on the beach so he got strong legs. That makes sense. Ronaldo did too.

Not much of a beach in Wolverhampton…

No beach and no sun, but I’m enjoying the English culture and I’m happy.

The Premier League is the best habitat for you?

I took a decision the moment I left Barcelona. There’s more up and down than in Spanish football. It’s grown a lot, maybe it’s the best league, the most competitive, I like it, but the Spanish too, Italian, French, German, I watch them all. I like to watch football.

What’s left of the ‘Arrow’ that formed at Barcelona?

I’ve improved a lot of things, physically, football wise too, I want to keep doing so until the end of my career.

Did you know Ansu Fati in La Masia?

Yes, he was much smaller but we went to school there, yes we knew each other.

Have you ever thought of returning to Barcelona?

They’ve always given me so much. Barcelona was my home and is my home. I grew up there, I was eight years old at the club. We’ll have to see what they offer. But the mentality for now is to help the national team and on the game on Wednesday. 

You seem to connect with the fans when you play.

I’m happy and grateful. We all want to return the love of the fans. In my case I’m an explosive player who looks for one on ones, unbalancing teams, and the fans like that.

Can you shake things up for Spain from the bench?

I’ll play when the coach tells me. If that’s from the bench or as a starter. I’ll always give 100%, sweat for the shirt, whatever is needed.

Has Luis Enrique lifted the team’s morale?

We always go out to win. Nobody heads out there thinking we will lose.

But you’re lacking goals.

That’s football. We’ll get there and we will score goals. Doing things right, I’m sure they will come.

The heat will help Spain against Slovakia in Seville?

They are not used to it, we are Spanish and we are, but in the end it’s there for both teams, When the ball rolls, we’ll both go out to win. 

The sweatier it is, the harder it is for them to grab you…

With the oil I put on normally it’s hard, that’s the reality (laughs)

To end, what message would you send to the fans?

We are a great family, all united and on Wednesday we will be happy with a victory. Have faith and believe. It will come.