2024-04-22 08:55:29
An interesting joke happened during a meeting with “Leeds” fans, in which the Bulgarian international Iliya Gruev, the Spanish defender Junior Firpo, born in the Dominican Republic, and the French offensive footballer Jorginho Rueter took part.
It was organized by the Yorkshire club podcast, and over 100 supporters of the iconic English club had the opportunity to put their questions to Gruev and his colleagues.
The defensive midfielder, who will turn 24 on May 6, was asked which player he has as an example and who he would like to play alongside. Ilia replied that he likes the style of Sergio Busquets and would like to be on the field in the same team as Leo Messi.
Firpo’s line followed, which made everyone in the hall laugh: “Well, I’ve played with both of them.”
The left defender started his career in the Spanish “Betis”, and then he was attracted to “Barcelona”. Firpo was part of the Catalan giants from 2019 to 2021, when he moved to Leeds.
During the 2 seasons in question, he recorded 24 matches with 2 goals for “Barca” and acted alongside Buquets and Messi.
“When I first came out as a starter at Elan Road, I heard everyone singing Marching On Together (anthem of “Leeds” – b.a.). This gives you extra motivation to show everyone that when players and fans come together, you can win at home and create a special atmosphere. This is amazing.
“Leeds” is a club that, I think, is known to everyone outside of England. Like me when I played in Germany. Now that I’m back, I found out the same about Bulgaria.
Already as a player of “Leeds”, I can say that I am also more recognizable. This is a big club”, Gruev answers a question about his feeling at the first appearance at “Elan Road”.
And this is what Ilya says to 7-year-old Jacob, who asks him what advice he would give to a boy like him who wants to become a football player: “Enjoy football, be with your friends, play as much as you can, have fun at this age. That’s the only thing I did. I didn’t think about anything else, I just wanted to play with my friends.”
