Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Morientes Gives Thoughts on AFCON 2019 at La Liga Space Opening


Sun 23 Jun 2019 | 10:39 AM
shawar ibrahim

Fernando Morientes is considered to be one of the greatest forwards in the history of Real Madrid, because of his rich history of titles accomplished.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P61wgHa3QU0[/embed]

Morientes represented various major European clubs including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Monaco, Valencia and Marseille. He made history at Madrid as he won 3 UEFA Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and 3 Spanish Super Cup titles.

Morientes participated in 271 games with Los Blancos, during his seven season spell with the club. He was able to score a record 99 goals in those matches, thus he is considered to be one of the all time greats not just in Spanish football, but in the world in general.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsmNDq8pTeM[/embed]

SEE was able to get an interview with the legendary Spanish forward. He  talked about the standings of the African Cup of Nations, His analysis included veteran players like Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane who are taking part in the tournament, in addition to his predictions for the tournament.

 

Do you participate in any football related activities after retiring?

Yes, I am now one of La Liga's global ambassadors; I work towards expanding the world's top league in various countries.

You Look to be in great shape, do you still exercise ?

Yes, I workout to keep in shape, but right now I'm mostly focused on enjoying life... I now spend lots of time with my family, plus I now get to travel on the weekends.... Something I couldn't do when I was an active player.

Have you enjoyed your visit so far in Egypt ?

Yes, very much… this is my second visit to Egypt. It was beautiful back then and still beautiful now.

Are you excited for the upcoming African Cup of Nations ?

Yes, very very much... Lots of young African players currently playing in La Liga will take part in the tournament this year. In addition you have veteran players like Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah... It's gonna be a good tournament.

Have you been able to visit any of the stadiums hosting the African Cup of Nations?

Unfortunately no.. Clarence Seedorf, former AC Milan player however told me they were beautiful.

What would be Salah's destination if he decides to leave ?

Salah must stay at Liverpool, the team is now the top ranked club in Europe, he is now building his legacy at the club.. He should stay for a few more seasons.

You played for both Real Madrid and Liverpool.. Do you think Salah would fit in Los Blancos playing style?

Salah is a complete player, he can play in any position upfront. He is skilled and has great physical abilities.. Yes I see him excelling at Madrid if he decides to leave.

 

Do you wish to see Salah is La Liga in the future ?

Salah would thrive at La Liga, but he should stay at Liverpool in the coming period, achieve bigger accomplishments and cement his name.

Salah and his Liverpool team mate Sadio Mane are currently tied in achievements this year, do you see the upcoming AFCON to be the deciding factor in the player of the year award?

Yes, Absolutely… Salah and Mane are currently tied in achievements, both players play for the same club.. Both players won the PFA top scorer award, ranked second in the Premier League.. and won the UEFA Champions League. International tournaments are often the deciding factors on whether players would be considered greats.

Ronaldo and Messi for example, they won every major single and club awards that can be won.. but when we often compare them with the all time greats, they lack in the field of international achievements. Especially Messi.