Luis Alberto Romero Alconchel (San José del Valle, 1992) has changed the stage … but it is still 'the magician'. The Spanish international explains in Marca what led him to leave Lazio after eight seasons in which he played 307 games, scored 52 goals, distributed 79 assists and conquered three titles: a 'Coppa' (2018-19) and two Super Cups in Italy (2017 and 2019).
Ask. He had 'threatened' several times with leaving Lazio. Why Duhail?
Answer. It was a cluster of several things. I didn't want to continue in Italy because I didn't see me in another team other than Lazio. I was attracted to returning to Spain, but it was practically impossible. In addition, Duhail had been in behind me for two years and gave him the word. I wanted to live other different experiences and, although at first I had doubts, I think I made the right decision for me and my family. We are very happy here.
I didn't want to continue in Italy because I didn't see me in another team other than Lazio
P. Al Duhail paid 11 million for his signing, a 'prohibitive' figure, right now, for most of LaLiga.
R. Yes, the teams that I would have liked to go could not allow it.
Q. Although they can be intuit, what teams do you mean?
R. I've never hidden and I'm not going to do it now. I have always said that I would have liked to return to Seville or Cádiz.
Q. In sports it has not been wrong: 4 goals and 12 assists in 29 games.
R. Yes, I had an injury that I dragged a lot, but the balance is good. I would have liked to win the League because we were 20 days in the lead and, in the end, we escaped us, but we have won the Cup and now the Prince's Cup begins, which in Qatar is very important. I hope we can end some more title. It would be ideal to round the year.
I would have liked to win the league because we were 20 days in the lead and, in the end, we escaped us
P. 'The Magician', as in Italy, has swollen assistance.
R. I have distributed enough, but I could have given some more, as well as with the goals. I have lacked some luck: the goalkeeper always had his day or left by little. I hope that now, in Cup, all those who have not entered.
P. At least has a drink to add the one he conquered with Lazio.
R. Yes, collective balance is good. The club came to make its worst classification in years and we have won a glass and we have secured a place to play the Asia Champions League. Let's see if we finish it with another cup.
The collective balance is good: we have won a glass and we have assured a place to play the Asia Champions League
Q. What has caught the attention of the Qatari League?
A. The League is growing and gradually introduce changes to compete in Champions with the Saudi Arabia teams. Even so, there are very good players: Al Arabi has Verratti, Rodri and Diallo, Al Ahli has Draxler, Al Sadd has won the league with Rafa Mujica, Claudinho and Akram Afif … All teams have something. In Al Gharafa are Joselu and Brahimi.
All teams have something: in Al Gharafa is Joselu, Al Arabi has Verratti and Rodri, Draxler plays in Al Ahli …
Q. What do you think could improve?
A. There is talk, for example, that the number of foreigners will increase. That is important. The goalkeepers of outside, for example, cannot play in the League. Sergio Rico signed with Al Gharafa and only disputes the Champions. It is also said that the league of 12 teams to 14 or 16 could increase.
Q. Do you feel that the Qatari League has been cut?
A. It would be ugly to say it (he smiles). It is true that it is not the same level of competitiveness that was in and you have to adapt more to the team than the team to you.
Q. He mentioned Sergio Rico, Joselu, Verratti, Rodri … Who has made 'crumbs' with?
R. I spend a lot of time with Sergio Rico. He is my friend since childhood. With Verratti and Rafa Mujica we have also been time … We have a broad group.
