The magic is back in the Colombian National Team. Juan Fernando Quintero was summoned by Reinaldo Rueda for the triple date of the South American Qualifiers in September, in which the Tricolor will face Bolivia in La Paz, Paraguay in Asunción and Chile in Barranquilla, on the 2nd, 5th and 9th of that month.
The Shenzhen midfielder, who these days trains with Medellín due to the stoppage of the Chinese Super League, I speak in ESPN F Show of his return to the National Team, With which he has not played since October 2018. He also referred to the time of James Rodríguez, who still does not play this season with Everton and, as in the Copa América, was not included in the Tricolor list.
Joy to return to Colombia: “Happy, happy to be back in my country, with my family after eight months in China. Happy because I finished a tournament with intensity, with high temperature, and happier for being called to the National Team, for representing my country later of what happened in the Copa América that I could not come. A lot of expectation and motivation for what is to come. “
Back in the Selection: “This is one’s passion, it is work and it must be honored. You have to go out and show your character. Representing my country fills me with motivation, satisfaction and a lot of happiness.”
Returns after almost three years: “In 2019 I had that injury, then Queiroz called Borré and me, but we did not come for the final against Flamengo, then the pandemic arrived. The video of the call filled me with great pride, one cannot hide that joy. I thank God and football for living these things. We have a great Selection and a great opportunity “.
James’ moment and the partnership with the forwards
The present of James Rodríguez: “I love that guy. What he says I can’t control. We can’t forget what he represents worldwide and for the National Team. Today he lives a particular situation, as it happened to me. I know what his country, the National Team, hurts him, I respect him as a person, as a friend and as a player. He is going through a difficult time on his team, but he is hoping that he will return. I’m never going to get involved in his personal life. As a Colombian I want him to be in the national team and to help us win games, as he always has. “
A memory of 2018 and the aforementioned forwards: “We all remember the beautiful match against PolandIt’s the best game I’ve ever had, the sensations, we had a superlative level, the football we show, that motivates you. The forwards we have have been scoring many goals in their leagues, Borja and Borré are adapting in Gremio and Germany. There are also Muriel and Falcao. We are with high expectations, we can unbalance and move this forward as a team. “
His contribution to the National Team and the height of La Paz
Your contribution to the Tricolor: “When you go to the National Team you have to be willing to play for a minute or 90. And when they don’t call you, be another Colombian. There is a very healthy competition and the most important thing is that our National Team wins, our country. to train with Medellín so as not to lose the rhythm of the competition. I am available to contribute from wherever I am. “
Your position on the field: “With the National Team in the last games I played as an internal 8, with Barrios and Matheus in the midfield. Now in China I am playing as a winger closing towards the middle. As the race progresses, new positions that are not of the all unknown to me. “
His way of leading: “All of us in our work have to be leaders. What we have experienced leads us to gain experience. In my case, I had the opportunity to be captain of the Sub 20. I am not interested in leading a band to know that I have to lead, I do. I do with the ball. My greatest example is to do my job well and earn respect as a human being, that makes the teammate kill himself for you, that there is affection when it comes to playing. “
The height of La Paz: “For the first time I’m going to play in La Paz, I hope everything goes well. We have earned worldwide respect as a National Team. Height is hard, but you don’t have to think about it, make sure our shirt is respected as long as it can be endured.”
Memories in River and Chinese football
Friendship with Gallardo: “It was a very nice experience. The adaptation was difficult. Marcelo is my friend, we talk almost every day. The famous phrase of ‘take charge’ was against Gremio, he had three men on him and he told me for giving the ball to Ponzio, but I wanted him to see that the rival also had us studied. Then in the final I took over (laughs) “.
Chinese football doesn’t get it off the radar: “It’s not the league, it’s how you prepare. As long as one has good companions, everything is easier. I don’t have to come to prove anything to anyone, I come to fight for my country, lead on and off the field and put on the National Team jersey. It is a country represented by 28 players. “
