Alan Varela: Bond with Otamendi, his dream and a “wow…” question | OneFootball

In September, you received a call-up to the Argentina national team for the first time. How did you find out the news and where were you?

—They told me on the very day of the match against Gil Vicente, a few hours before kick-off. It was fantastic news for me. I work hard for these opportunities and I’m very happy to have been called up; my family was also very happy. It was phenomenal.

Were you expecting to be called up again during this break?

—I wasn’t called up this time, but I have to keep working to give my best for FC Porto and try to get back into the national team. I have clear personal goals.

I imagine one of your goals is to be called up for next year’s World Cup…

—No doubt. If I work to the maximum, I believe I’ll have that chance. I’m not satisfied with just the first call-up; I want to be at the World Cup. It would be the fulfillment of a big dream.

What was it like to be at Messi’s last game on Argentine soil?

—It was, without a doubt, incredible. Training with the best player in the world was spectacular and it will always stay in my memory. I’m very happy to have shared those moments with him.

Did you give him any rough treatment in training?

—Actually, yes! [laughs] Messi is a formidable player. I admire him a lot and I’m very grateful to him for everything he has given and continues to give to Argentina.

You also crossed paths with Otamendi, with whom you have a rivalry in Portugal. Do you have a good relationship?

—Yes. The atmosphere in the national team is excellent and everyone is very united. Otamendi welcomed me very well; there’s great humility in the way they receive us and talk to us… that welcome benefits us all.

But were there no jibes because of the rivalry between FC Porto and Benfica?

—No, those matters are left aside. There it’s a different reality.

‘Flash’ questions:

Challenged to think fast, Alan Varela only ‘wobbled’ on the last two questions…

—Who is the toughest teammate to face in training?

—

—And the funniest in the squad?

—What is your favorite Portuguese dish?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.