Two Games, two medals. Eric García Martret will close his second Olympic experience with another podium after the bitter silver in Tokyo. On the way to the coveted gold, he warns of difficulties against the favourite France but underlines the unity and chemistry that exists in the The Red by Santi Denia. They beat Japan, they came back against Morocco… now they are looking for the most difficult yet. The host awaits at the Parc des Princes.
Eric Garcia. Olympic medalist in the Paris Games. We can now say it in so many words.
Luckily I have the silver one, now I only have the gold one left.
That day in Tokyo you were completely devastated. In fact, you didn’t even celebrate the silver medal after the defeat against Brazil.
That’s how it was. The goal since we gathered in July was to reach the final and win the medal. It’s time to win this gold and we’re close.
Did a weight come off your shoulders when you saw Juanlu’s ball kiss the net and they had beaten Morocco?
We knew we were going to have to suffer. They have a very good team, they have shown it throughout the competition and they even got ahead. We knew it would be difficult, but we have a very strong team that has experienced many of these. Hopefully we will have another victory, but without suffering so much.
Against a very hostile backdrop and with the score at 0-1, it never looked like Spain was going to throw in the towel. Quite the opposite.
It’s something that characterizes the group, we all work together, we’re all very united. The 22 of us are always united in the good and bad times; and now that it’s time to enjoy the good times, we all live them together and even more united if possible.
You will have heard it many times: Olympic gold is still elusive. soccer Since Barcelona 92 and until these Paris Games, the drought of titles in team sports dates back to the Atlanta Games.
Yes, they have told me that, yes. It’s time to get another gold. That’s our goal. We know we already have a medal, but the color changes quite a bit.
Did you prefer France or Egypt?
We focused on ourselves. We knew it was going to be difficult, whoever we were drawn against. In the end, France is the host and we will have to compete against a very good team. But against Egypt it would have been difficult too. In fact, they beat us in the group stage.
If the atmosphere against Morocco was like playing in Rabat or Casablanca, imagine what happened this Friday at the Parc des Princes…
But it was a great atmosphere, eh. We enjoyed it a lot and we will surely enjoy this final a lot as well. At least I enjoy situations and environments like this a lot.
Eric, during the semi-final match in Marseille. / RFEF
What do you say to the Spanish fans and to all those who have been following you since day one?
It is a source of pride that they follow us, that they encourage us and support us from afar. For all of us it is a source of pride to represent Spain and do what we are doing. We need one last push, but we know that we have a lot of people behind us.
How has the Olympic experience been? Have you been able to enjoy it beyond the demands of the competition and the hectic schedule you have had at these Games?
Yes, well, within reason. We were in the Villa for a short time because in football we have to travel a lot, but now we are returning to Paris, so let’s enjoy it and make the most of the experience.
To whom do you dedicate this success?
Of course, to all my people. I am very grateful for the unconditional support they always give me, and all of this is for them. And since they already know me, they know that I still need one thing, which is the gold medal.
In normal conditions and any other year, you would be concentrating on your team and in the middle of pre-season. Is it worth changing your habits if it’s for a gold medal?
Fortunately, I did have a vacation before the Games, but once you are in the final, all the effort and sacrifice is worth it.
And what does it mean for Spain to have won the Eurocupfight for a medal in the women’s tournament and also secure it in the men’s?
Well, it says a lot about our football. It’s clear that Spanish football is going through a very good moment. It’s time to enjoy it because in life there are always good moments, but also bad ones. Now that we’re riding the wave, we have to stay there as long as possible. And not get off.
2024-08-08 07:04:41
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