Sand was born in Stuttgart on March 27, 1990, and goes by Jose Luis Mato. But Joselu, the Spanish team’s attacker and member of Real Madrid, is what everyone is focused on. He is 33 years old and is living a moment that he did not dare to dream about for a very long time. He made his debut with two goals against Norway in Malaga, won the Nations League in June, and a few days later, he was introduced as a Real Madrid player. All of this happened within a few months, from March to June. A significant transformation that he will never forget, and about which MARCA was interested in learning the origins and trajectory of his growth into an athlete who embodies happiness on a daily basis.
QUERY. Is Joselu capable of being the happiest person alive?
REPLY. Anyhow, not really. As far as I am aware of, I doubt it. I promise you that I am quite content.
Q. What would you call everything you are going through?
A. Content. That may very well be the title, expressing exactly what I am going through.
Is it still necessary for you to pinch yourself to believe that it’s true?
A. Not as much these days. However, I would have said that I had to pinch myself if you had asked me same question a month ago.
What if, a year ago, that had been the question?
A. I would say, however, that I cannot believe what you are telling me.
When Joselu, a Real Madrid player, got in the car to drive to Valdebebas, what was going through his mind?
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1. They were going to drop me off at the club later, so I went with Carvajal in the car. I was anxious beyond belief. I had no idea what I might turn up. I was aware that some of the people I knew at Castilla still existed. I thought to myself as I walked into the dressing room, “Phew, you’re finally here!” Live in the present, appreciate it, and let go of the past.
What picture do you have in your mind of your initial impression upon entering the locker room?
A. Every single European Cup that is held. The images of Marcelo, Ramos, Cristiano, and Modric… It impressed me to welcome each player individually.
“Joselu, you are loved by Madrid,” Who informs you?
An agent of mine calls. It’s him who informs me.
Q. Do you think it’s real, or did you think it was a joke?
I. R. Naturally, I took his word for it. I’ll rip his head off if he subsequently tells me it’s not true.
Joselu, using the MARCA of todayRIVERO /ÁNGEL
How did his wife, Melanie, find out?
A. We were paired off. We exchanged a look and concluded it couldn’t be real. Yet it did. Then the paperwork started to come in. On a sports level, we believed it, but we dared not believe it entirely. We had moments of doubt that it would be completed.
Do you shed happy tears?
A. Not a much. Ah, my wife.
Q. Were you upset?
A. It’s my spouse. She did cry, but I’m colder.
Q. Another component exists. How are Lucas and Leo aware that their father will be a Real Madrid player?
The young one, three-year-old R. Lucas, is still unconscious. He will admit that his father is a Madrid player if you question him. The oldest believed it to be a mirage. Not only for Madrid, though. It was the first opportunity in his life that he would have to spend time with his relatives, including his grandparents, aunt, and cousins. He was especially happy that he could coexist with yours.
What was the duration of time it took you to obtain the Madrid shirt featuring your father’s name and the number 14?
A. Nothin’, as we received them from the club the day of the presentation.
Q. You reached this point after a difficult journey that brought you to Hoffenheim, Frankfurt, Stoke, and Newcastle.
A career full of highs and lows has been my experience. But for all the money in the world, I wouldn’t change a single step I’ve done. Everything has been enjoyable, and it has shaped me into the person and football player I am today. Naturally, there are instances in which you could take a different route as things were not going as planned, but my choices are what brought me to this point.
Did you feel lonely walking that path?
R. My wife and I have a lot of time together. I felt very connected to her, being outside of it and not having support from your family or the media, since she was the one who always gave me the motivation to keep going.
What lessons did Joselu take away from his time spent in Germany and England?
A. Not just outside of Spain, but everywhere I went helped me learn. I encountered a bankruptcy law in Celta. I went to Castilla and everything was great, so I stopped charging. After that, I traveled overseas to experience living in a foreign nation, playing in Europe, and getting to know the Premier League. They’ve all shaped who I am and helped me grow.
Q. Carvajal Dani, How does that suit you?
A friend and partner beyond compare. Someone who has been really helpful to me, particularly in the past year.
Q. Were you aware that you were a Madrid player before the Final Four, when you were playing for the national team?
A. Nothing was closed off. Everything may be wasted if something were to happen. Dani comforted and encouraged me during those days. He gave me the rundown on how the club operates.
Is there anything Joselu regrets about the entire trip?
1. Thank you very much. It’s all contributed to my growth. I’ve had my share of horrible experiences and poor decisions. However, even those two steps back enabled me to make two progresses ahead.
What would happen if you had to leave Madrid the next day and down one or two steps once more?
A. I simply don’t want to leave Madrid now that I’m here. I see that rather clearly.
What is the most valuable guidance you have received in your life?
A. Everyone turns to you when things are going well. I experienced it the year Castilla and I advanced to the Second Division. The world seems to forget about you when things are not going well when you are overseas. Not that anyone told me this directly, but I knew that the key is to persevere and find the good in every situation. And I heard that from a few folks.
Q. At a family gathering, Carvajal or Joselu—who’s brave enough to try paella?
A. Fuzzy! Not at all.
What would happen if one of them had to prepare food?
A. I am aware of how to act morally. I think the same about him.
What kind of person is Joselu at home?
R. I love spending time with my kids. Since I enjoy taking kids to extracurricular activities, I would take them to school if there was a trip day that started at three in the morning. I enjoy spending time with my wife and enjoying activities in her company. With family here this year, we’re having a great time.
Is it regarded as an illustration? Unexpectedly, a 33-year-old player who has visited numerous teams plays a significant role for both Madrid and the national team.
A. Maybe it is. Many kids, and some not so kids, tell me this is because I never give up when I’m out on the street. It is worth the labor. And I want the kids to know that you can accomplish goals by working hard and that you never have to give up.
What emotion does the Bernabéu shout “Joselu, Joselu” evoke in you?
A. It is superior. Cannot articulate. When I pass away, I won’t be able to explain anything.
What is your outlook for the upcoming summer?
1. However, this one is far from finished! I’d rather not give it any thought. I want to savor the here and now. I wish I could go on, but football is full of twists and turns.
Q. However, I’d dream of having a trophy.
A. Well, that’s the initial point! Since we have already won the Nations, it is even more fulfilling for me to win titles with Madrid and the national team.
Ten inquiries to nine
1. Scotland and us are the two teams in the group who will automatically qualify for the European Championship.
2. Fernando Torres was his childhood hero.
3. Spain in Scotland: Victory
4. Bellingham, California: A gem
5. An instructor who flagged him: fold
6. The Bernabéu is the world’s greatest stadium.
7. How did you feel while you watched Morocco vs. Spain? I’m hurt because I dislike Spain’s defeat.
8. Sergio Ramos is a central defender who has driven you to despair.
9. What annoyances you before going into the field? I try to walk in on the right foot, kiss the tattoos of my kids’ names, and raise my head to the sky to offer my father, who passed away seven years ago, my sincere gratitude.
10. The objective is to be the best thing ever created.