Atlético de Madrid is having a great season League F, occupying second place in the standings,and will soon compete in the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Super Cup.
In this context, one of Atleti’s strong points, Rosa Otermín, She gave an exclusive interview to VAVEL Brasil (republished by VAVEL Spain), where we covered several topics, from the goals of the season to her return to the “club of her life”, as she defines it.Look what he told us!
1- what did returning to Atleti mean for you? When you came out in 2019, did you have a feeling that you might return one day?
“Yes, without a doubt! When I left it was very sad because I was leaving the club of my life, but I knew that one day I would return. I didn’t no when, but I was clear that it would happen. And when I received the news of the possibility of “I didn’t think twice about coming back. It was a dream for me to return to the place that has always been my home, and here I am happier than ever.”
2- Obviously the player who leaves the team is very different from the one who returns. Now you live a different reality: you are one of the leaders and references of the group. For you, what is the biggest difference between the squad that was formed at Atlético and the one that returns now?
“When I left I was only 17 and I was about to turn 18. I was just a child, with no experience of being away from home and my family. I think the main difference between that girl and the woman I am now is that I am managed to mature both on a football and mental level. That girl became a professional athlete.”
3- rosa, how do you think your strong identification with Atlético de Madrid contributes to making your teammates understand the importance and values of the club?
“I think this is transmitted day by day.I have felt this club and these colors since I was born, and for me it is something natural. I try to represent those values every day, and obviously I talk to my teammates about what it means to me ‘Atlético. But I trust that they too, being part of the team, understand the weight of these colours.’
4- You say that Atleti is the club of your life. Going a little deeper, what does Atlético mean to you? Where does this intense feeling come from?
“For me it is indeed a life motto. These colors have always lived in me, thanks to my father, who is a pure Atlético fan. From day one he taught me the meaning of this shirt and how to honor this scudetto.” Everything I do I put under Atleti and if they make me choose between this club and another everyone knows what my decision will be.”
5- You recently scored your first official goal for Atlético de Madrid, against Royal society. However,two games earlier,you almost managed to score against the Athletic Society, but the referee awarded an own goal to the defense Maddi Torre for the detour.How did you feel on both occasions?
“The truth is that, even if they didn’t give me the goal against Athletic Bilbao, I celebrated it as if it were mine. I felt the feeling of scoring with the club of my life on that occasion, and I consider it a goal goal. But then, when I scored at home, in front of our fans and against the Royal Society, I felt even greater joy. It’s every girl’s dream to play for the team she loves and to score in front of the fans was truly special. I will never forget that moment!”
6- So can we say that it was more special than if it had happened in bilbao?
“without a doubt! Like I said, scoring at home is unique.”
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7- Atlético is having a great season, occupying second place in the table League F, albeit with 9 points less than Barcelona. Moreover, they have crucial challenges such as the Super Cup and the Queen’s Cup, whose rival will be the Levante Badalona. How does the group deal with these challenges and what are the goals for the season?
“Yes, we will face the Levante Badalona in the Cup and we will have three weeks to prepare for that match. But for now we are focused on the next match, against Tenerife. Of course we also have the Queen’s Cup and the Super Cup in mind, because they are important objectives, but as the Atleti motto says, we go game by game.”
9- Rosa, in the videos shared by the club we can see that you are one of the funniest players on the team. How critically important is it to maintain that good atmosphere in the locker room?
“we are lucky enough to work on what we like, so the minimum is to receive smiles during training and enjoy the day. I have the privilege of being at Atleti, my home, doing what I love, so I always try to ” spread joy” and make those around me laugh.”
10- Staying on this topic, your friendship with all the players is also evident, but there is a special relationship that is very evident: Andrea Medina, with whom you have already played at Betis and now share a team again at Atleti. What does it mean to you to have a friend like her in the club?
“I met Medina when she was 15 years old, she was just a child. We have a 4 year difference. For me she is like my little sister, because she tells me everything that happens to her and I also share everything that is mine with her. We help each other always. We also spend most of our time together, almost every afternoon, and I will always be there for whatever she needs, just as I know I can count on her.”
11- Besides Medina, it is indeed evident that you have a good relationship with all the players on the team. How is living with the group?
“It’s true, we have a good group and I think this is also reflected on the pitch. We all get along well, even if, like everywhere, there is more affinity with some than with others. But in general the group is excellent and everyone contributes with something positive.This good relationship is noticeable in the matches, where we always play for one.”
12- Atlético has four Brazilian players: Luany, Lauren, Gio Queiroz and ana Vitória. What is your relationship with them? Have you learned anything about Brazil through them, inside and outside of football?
“Yes, I get along with everyone. I’m closer to gio and Luany, but I also have an excellent relationship with Lauren and Ana Vitória. On the pitch they always ask me about that ’jogo bonito’ which characterizes Brazil so much, right? Their dribbling ability is truly impressive. They teach many things every day. They are four very critically important players who make a positive contribution to the group and we are very happy to have them with us.”
13- How do you evaluate the importance of these Brazilian players for the team?
14- Obviously we’re talking about your time at Atleti, but with these influences, if one day you received an offer to play in Brazil, would you accept?
“Right now I’m very happy here, and for me I would sign a lifetime contract with Atlético Madrid (laughs). Who knows about the future? But now I’m very happy in my home and I want to stay there for many years, hopefully for my whole life .”
15- Rosa, what is your biggest dream in this new stage with the Atlético Madrid shirt?
“They asked me in an interview in pre-season and I said that my dream with Atleti was to win the Champions League. But, on a personal level, this season my dream is to win a title with Atleti.”
16- You played with the Spanish team in the youth categories. Can you imagine realizing your dream of one day reaching the senior team?
“I hope so! I think it’s a pride for anyone to wear the shirt of their country, and I will always be available. If they need me and call me, I will be ready. But obviously I have the hope that one day I will represent my country in absolute.”
17- Rosa, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview. could you send a message to the fans in Brazil? We wish you much success in your career!
“I will speak in Spanish because I don’t know Portuguese,okay? (laughs). Thank you so much for your support, I know you are there cheering for us. I hope that one day we can play a friendly match in Brazil and meet everyone. Thank you so much, it was a pleasure!”
We thank you Rosa Otermín and to the Atlético de Madrid press office for the opportunity to interview the player.
what has been the impact of Rosa Otermín’s return to Atlético de madrid on the team’s dynamics?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rosa Otermín, Atlético de Madrid player
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Rosa! Congratulations on an incredible season with Atlético de Madrid.You’re currently sitting in second place in League F and gearing up for the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Super Cup. How are you feeling about the season so far?
Rosa Otermín: Thank you! It’s been an amazing season, and we’re really focused on keeping that positive momentum. Every game is a chance to grow stronger as a team, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.
Editor: You’ve described Atlético as the “club of your life.” What did your return mean to you after leaving in 2019? Did you always envision coming back?
Rosa Otermín: Absolutely! Leaving was heartbreaking because this club will always be my home. I knew deep down that one day I woudl return. When I got the opportunity, I didn’t think twice; it was a dream come true for me to come back to where I belong.
Editor: It’s clear that personal growth has played a part in your journey. You left as a young girl, but you’ve returned as a leader. What’s been the biggest change for you in that time?
Rosa Otermín: The biggest difference is maturity. I left at 17, and now I’m a professional athlete with the experience and mental strength that comes with that. It’s crucial for not just my performance, but also for being a role model for my teammates.
Editor: Your identification with Atlético is profound. How do you transmit that passion and importance of the club to your teammates?
Rosa Otermín: I believe it comes through in our daily interactions. I’ve felt this connection to Atlético my whole life, thanks to my father who is a die-hard fan. I share my experiences and values, and I’m confident my teammates also grasp the significance of wearing these colors.
Editor: Speaking of that deep connection, can you share what Atlético truly means to you on a personal level?
Rosa Otermín: It’s more than just a club for me; it’s a life motto.My father instilled in me the importance and honor of this shirt from the very beginning. Everything I do in my football career is colored by my commitment to Atlético.
Editor: You recently scored your first official goal for Atleti against Real Sociedad. Can you walk us through the emotions you felt, especially considering the earlier near-miss against Athletic bilbao?
Rosa Otermín: Scoring against Real Sociedad was magical! Even though the previous match’s goal didn’t count, I celebrated it as I felt that joy. But scoring at home, in front of our fans, was indescribable. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.
Editor: Would you say that goal was even more special than the potential one in Bilbao?
rosa Otermín: Without a doubt! Scoring at home has a unique magic that is hard to replicate. There’s nothing like the energy of our fans—it makes every goal feel monumental.
Editor: Looking ahead, you have the Copa de la Reina against Levante Badalona coming up. With such a strong season underway, how does the team stay focused amidst all the excitement?
rosa Otermín: We take it one game at a time, as the Atleti motto goes. While we’re aware of the bigger objectives and the importance of the Super Cup and Copa, right now our focus is solely on our next match against Tenerife.
Editor: It truly seems you also bring an amazing energy into the locker room. how vital is it to maintain that positive atmosphere during training?
Rosa Otermín: It’s everything! We’re blessed to do what we love, and I always aim to spread joy and smiles. Training should be an enjoyable experience, and a good atmosphere helps us grow together as a team.
Editor: Your friendship with your teammates, particularly with Andrea Medina, is evident. How does having a friend like her within the team influence your experience?
Rosa Otermín: Meeting Andrea at such a young age created a special bond. It’s wonderful to share this experience with someone who understands where I come from. Having friends like her in the club makes our journey even more meaningful.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us, Rosa. We wish you and Atlético continued success this season!
Rosa Otermín: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the support and hope to make all of our fans proud.