The farewell at home makes us very optimistic

Hi everyone,

What I’m going to say may sound weird but this is how I feel right now… To be honest, as I write this I’m looking forward to the next game in Old Trafford. I know it won’t happen in the next few months but playing in this stadium with this crowd is amazing… You never get tired of it… We wanted to finish the season at home with a win against Arsenal, in order to keep fighting for the third spot, but we couldn’t make it. We know we have played very good games this season but at the same time the team and the fans have had to cope with tough moments, and even so they have shown unconditional support. This union with our fans will be the key to celebrate titles soon. They deserve it. As every year, the lap of honour after the game was touching.

We couldn’t beat Arsenal although I think we were the better team during most of the game. In the first half we had a very high performance, moving the ball quickly and pressing Arsenal in their half of the pitch. We didn’t concede any chances for them to score. At half time we were ahead thanks to a good goal from my friend Ander Herrera.

After the break we had chances to score a second goal, but we missed them and they started to push to tie the game, which they did with a bit of luck. They are a team with a great attacking power as they showed in the last few minutes… Anyway, it was a pity. Apart from the chance to be third, we were looking forward to offer a win to our fans against such a big rival. We had more bad news when David had to leave the pitch with an injury, which allowed Víctor to make his debut as a Manchester United player. I hope David gets well soon and at the same time I wish Víctor the best, always. A goalkeeper like him, so good and with so much experience, is always a big help to any team.

Now we must finish the season in the best possible way. We owe it to this badge. Besides, we must respect the fight against relegation between Hull City, Newcastle and, maybe, Sunderland, so we will try to win, as always.

In Spain, we still have to know which teams will play in Europe and which ones will be relegated. Barcelona didn’t leave things for the last week and clinched the title with a victory in the Vicente Calderón. Once again, Leo Messi was decisive for Barça to win the first of the three titles they can get in the next few weeks. They have done an amazing second half of the season. It seems they are at their peak right now. Juventus and Athletic have a tough mission in their finals: trying to stop them. This season, not many teams have been capable of that.

In basketball, Real Madrid won the Final Four that took place precisely in Madrid, and were crowned champions of the Euroleague. You know I’m a good fan of basketball. As a Spanish team, I want to congratulate them for such a big achievement.

The season is coming to an end and I want to tell you that the farewell in Old Trafford gives us strength and makes me feel very optimistic. Playing at this stadium for this loyal and tireless crowd keeps getting you goose bumps. Thank you once again. We hope you can enjoy good times the next season.

Have a nice week. Hugs!

Juan

PS: I take this opportunity to wish good luck to Steven Gerrard after his farewell in Anfield. Regardless of rivalries, he is a player that leaves an indelible mark on both European and world football.