AlKass Digital
Doha Qatar- Spanish striker Gabi is the man to watch out for. Not just because he is creating waves at Qatari club Al-Sadd, but also because he has been instrumental in putting QNB Stars League in the limelight.
He exclusively spoke to Al Kass Sports Channels about football, the FIFA World Cup and Qatar.
Excerpts from the interview with Marianne Caracalla:
Q. Who did you speak with before coming here?
I spoke to Sergio Garcia before coming here. He told me about Qatar, Qatar League (QNB Stars League), and of course the FIFA 2022 World and how important it is for Qataris.
Q. How important is this move for your career?
This definitely is important for me as I have the experience that Qatar needs. I hope to help make this World Cup (FIFA World Cup 2022) the best in the history of the competition and to contribute to the preparation of Qatari players to participate in this World Cup.
Q. Do you manage your own Instagram account?
Yes. It is an important means of communication, and provides a way to the fans to know about me.
Q. Do you intend to stay with Al-Sadd for long?
Atletico Madrid has always been home to me, I have spent 15 years there. But, after the feedback I received from Xavi, I made up my mind to come here. I am looking forward to winning the AFC Champions League playing with Al-Sadd.
Q. Is a contract extension at Al-Sadd up on your mind?
I will think about it, gradually. I love this place and if my physical fitness allows I will think about it.
But, I will definitely continue to work in sports after retirement because it is my love and my life. After all, I have been playing football for the last eighteen years.
Q. Would you be part of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 plans?
I certainly hope to help this country as much as I can one day. Xavi's participation in hosting this event is definitely an honour.
Q. How do you rate Al-Sadd?
I was very surprised at the organisational level of the club and the presence of Xavi has made the local players more professional. If they win the AFC Champions League, it will enhance the image of the club, internationally. I am here to win titles. I think victories are a result of teamwork and we are ready to capture titles for Al-Sadd.
Winning the AFC Champions League will give the team the chance to play in the FIFA Club World Cup. Of course, winning titles are important to me.
Q. How would you rate the players in Qatar?
Players like Akram Afif, Hassan Al-Haydos and Ali Asad are some of the finest in Qatar. Eventually, they will reach the levels of foreign players in Europe.
Q. Who do you think are title favorites for the UEFA Champions League?
The Champions League is a very tough tournament and Paris Saint-Germain Football Club have the players who can win the Champions League in the future. I think Atletico, Real Madrid and Barcelona and Liverpool are very strong sides. These are the strong favorites for me to win the Champions League.
Real Madrid are bigger than any player, certainly bigger than Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes, important players came out of Real Madrid, but they are able to replace them with outstanding players.
Barcelona has a lot of potential but it is a very difficult tournament. Barcelona need to overcome many difficulties if they want to win the Champions League. I think the season has been for Messi because of the World Cup. But, Barcelona have already won the Spanish Super Cup and suffered only two losses in the La Liga, this season.