”Participating in the games is something different”

Sergio Gómez Martín (23), born in Badalona and player from important quarries such as Badalona,​​​​ Espanyol and Barça, is facing an important moment in his sports career. Before the Olympics he signed for Real Sociedad and at the Olympic event he was one of the main arguments for Spain to win a medal in men’s football. From Paris he gave an interview to MD and he was convinced of the selection options.

You are from Badalona and you play for Badalona Fútbol Base. Now Badalona has signed Álvaro Vázquez, did you know that?

I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it. I saw the other day that they signed it. I’m up to date.

What does being in the Olympics mean to you? Do you follow any particular discipline?

For me and I think for all the athletes participating, it’s something different because it’s a very different competition from what we play. Yes, it’s true that when you travel abroad and stay in a hotel it’s more like that, but we try to take advantage of the five days in the villa to be surrounded by as many athletes as possible. We watch a little bit of all sports. From Skate and BMX to team sports like handball, water polo. A little of everything.

You are one of the captains. One of the three ‘majors’ chosen by Santi Denia. Is it responsible?

Yes, it is true that it is a bigger responsibility when you are called as ‘senior’ and it is appreciated that they trust you when many players want to come here. It is a pride. We all knew each other very well and rowed in the same direction.

You scored the team’s first goal of the tournament. Can you imagine scoring the winning goal in the final like Oyarzabal did? You will be teammates at Real Sociedad. Did he say anything to you now that you are going to play?

No, I haven’t talked to him yet, but I hope he scores more goals… (laughs) that would be good news for Spain. And if I have to mark the last one, no problem (more laughter). It’s true that I scored the winning goal against Uzbekistan, but now the important thing is Egypt. We will try to win again. We agree that we will reach the final and the goal is ours if necessary.

How do you define yourself within the field?

I am a very team oriented player. Above all, a very versatile player who can help in various aspects. Above all, very supportive, trying to help his teammates as much as possible to win games.

Do you think at Anderlecht with Kompany your sports career changed by starting to play in a new position?

Yes. Yes, it is true that because of this position, I have become more knowledgeable. I have played in several forward positions and having this possibility helps me to have more options to get on the field.

At Manchester City, what is it like being coached by Pep Guardiola?

The first days I train you specially. Then when you talk to him a lot, it’s more natural. It was a privilege to share these two seasons with him. After all the successes we have had, being trained by the best coach in the world is incredible.

Now in Real, what are you waiting for? Any priorities in the position?

What I like the most is being on the field and helping all my teammates. Ultimately, our goal when we make a change like this is to have more continuity. I will try to help the team as much as possible, in any position. I’m really looking forward to getting there, but I hope to spend as much time in Paris or France (laughs).

It is clear to you that you have wanted to go to Real for a long time. Is it because of the way you play?

Yes. They have been playing the same way for a long time, a football that suits me and I really like the football they play. Very attractive. The truth is that this is one of the teams I like the most in LaLiga.

It has been difficult for you to establish yourself among the elite like most, having to chain transfers and change teams. How do you explain what Cubarsí and Lamine are doing at the age of 17?

I’m seeing him and living with Pau, who doesn’t know him. The truth is that he is a very mature player despite his age. What really makes you tough is playing matches and playing these types of tournaments has helped them a lot. Both Euro and Pau games are Lamine Yamal. This helps them become more mature and grow up faster. They have established themselves in professional football and their careers will continue to rise.

Pacheco, who also has minutes, looks nice, doesn’t he?

He is a very interesting player, who this season took another step forward at Real and played the whole tournament with us in the past in Europe and did well. Here in the games he also helps a lot and I’m sure he will have a good year at Real.

As a Barça youth player that you are, is it true that style is embedded forever?

Yes, I think this may be true. For me it helped me a lot. Yes, it’s true that I arrived at Barça very young, which is not like when you arrive as a cadet. This is the football I like the most. Huesca, Dortmund, Anderlecht and City both played and that’s why I chose those paths. This is the style I am most comfortable and happy with.

Luis de la Fuente always speaks highly of you. Were you particularly happy with the success at the Euros after all the criticism it received?

I know I will do very well. I have been with him for a long time, the relationship is very good and I think all of us who are concentrating on the preparation of the games know how much he worked and fought for that award and we are very happy.

Who is stronger, De la Fuente or Haaland?

(laughs) I think Luis de la Fuente, without a doubt.

To conclude: Would you dare to make any promises if you won gold?

If we win, I will tattoo the rings from the games on my leg. If we win I will.