Grimaldo: “Balde played at a very high level”

At the age of 27, Alejandro Grimaldo (Valencia, 1995) went through the best moment of his professional career which led him to sign for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen until 2027. He went to the Bundesliga but came from being champion of the League with Portugal’s Benfica, as the highest scoring defender (5) in the entire Primeira Liga and the second highest assisting team (11) in the entire competition. In this interview by ‘IAM Sports’ as he spends his last days as a Benfica player, Grimaldo talks about his new project, his goals, as well as Xavi and Balde’s farewell to Barça and Alba.

After seven seasons, he decided to end his time at Benfica. Because?

It’s time to set myself new goals and new experiences and I think the Bundesliga is a good league for me to continue to grow as a professional player-

301 games, 26 goals, 65 assists and enormous prestige. What is left?

I take it with me that I have made history at the club and not everyone can say it. That is what will go down in history and I am very proud. Also in the last game, which also scored a goal.

The exit was so obvious that it initially did not contemplate renewal.

No, that’s not true. The exit is not clear. I almost talked to Benfica until the last month and a half before the end of the last season and we didn’t reach an agreement. Then I decided to go to Leverkusen.

He has offers or interest from Spain. Why Bayer Leverkusen? What convinced you?

I think it’s time to go to Germany, to go to Leverkusen. Xabi Alonso has shown a lot of interest in me and yes, I have many options to go to Spain. It’s the best time to go to Germany and Bayer Leverkusen and that’s why I made the decision.

Does Xabi Alonso’s presence on the bench motivate you? What do you know about your job?

This is one of the main reasons for going there and it motivates me. Also for the club project. I have received very good references about his work at the Real Sociedad affiliate and about everything he has been doing at Leverkusen over the past year and I think he is as good a coach as he is a player.

They say Real Madrid have signed him for next season.

I don’t know, better ask Xabi.

What is your opinion of the Bundesliga compared to other leagues?

It is one of the three most important leagues in Europe and that is why I go there, to show my level, certainly, to demand myself in one of the big leagues.

German winters are harsh. Do you want a cool game?

Well, I’m more of a hot match but we will have to adapt.

He needs to be clear about this because he will not be playing in the Champions League, although he is in Europe.

The Champions League is a great showcase, no doubt about that. I played many years in the Champions League but you have to look at other things. Now it is clear that this is a goal for next season. Meanwhile, it’s time to enjoy the Europa League and try to win it, which is also motivating.

What personal goals have you set?

My main goal is to star in a good adaptation and a good season in Leverkusen and above all go to the national team,

Do you think, definitely, that this is a step to reach the Spanish team? His name rang out for the Nations League list.

This is one of the reasons why I went to Leverkusen, because I wanted to show my football in a competitive league. I think I am one of the options to go to the national team and I will do that.

Are you surprised by Barça’s run this season?

Hand in hand with Xavi they have grown a lot as a team, they have achieved LaLiga, which is difficult to achieve, especially when they face tough rivals like Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid. They will continue to grow as a team, that’s for sure.

And Xavi. What do you think as a coach?

He shows that he is a good coach, leading Barça to the league title. Looking forward to the next few years, he will grow in Europe and prove that he is a great coach.

He just signed Gundogan. It’s a great signing.

Gundogan is one of the best media in the world. He achieved many successes in the City. He decided to go to Barcelona and I think the Catalans made the right choice because he is a good signing.

Alba closed his stage at Barça.

In the end, he lost some popularity and decided to leave. A bit of a question for him but I think he has made history at Barça, he is a good full-back.

And Balde’s irruption? Do you see a left back for a long time at Barça?

Balde has shown that he can play for Barcelona. He has been at a very high level all season and we hope he continues that way. I am confident that he will continue to grow as a player