Kiko Casilla has been presented this Monday as a new Elche player. The Catalan goalkeeper arrives on loan, from Leeds United, until June 2022. The goalkeeper will compete for ownership with Edgar Badia, a key player in the permanence of the people from Elche in the First Division.
The player from Tarragona debuted with the franjiverde shirt last Saturday against the Real Zaragoza. Kiko Casilla played 45 minutes in the second friendly match of the team led by Fran Escribá.
First statements: “I have to be very grateful to Elche. I am excited and happy to return to the League. We hope it will be a great year and that we meet our objectives.”
Why Elche?: “Both Nico Rodríguez (sports director) and Fran Escribá (coach) contacted me. I was quite convinced by the project they told me about. They transmitted to me the desire they have to do something beautiful. Elche is a team that, although I have not been many years in First, everyone knows “.
First days in Elche: “From the first day I have felt very comfortable. There is a fantastic group that has opened its arms to me in a way that I did not expect. I knew a colleague. Edgar Badia received me in a spectacular way and I want to thank him” .
I return to spain: “I was very excited to return to the League. It is a point and aside. I think it will be difficult for me to play in England again. I am 34 years old, but sometimes I feel better than when I was 25. My age is a background many times. “
Is it a step back to reach a team that is going to fight for permanence?: “I don’t think it’s a step backwards, quite the opposite. When I went to England, I did it to play in the Second Division.”
Edgar badia: “We have known each other for many years. The competition is good. We are two professionals and we are going to demand ourselves. It will be good for the team. Each one has his style, but both are valid. When the coach decides that one of them should play or another, the important thing is that the team is calm “.
Do you come with the tag of the titular goalkeeper?: “I have never felt with that label, I come to help. In no team have I thought that. I try to join the group. The one who has to decide is the coach.
Are there possibilities to continue in Elche beyond this season?: “At the moment, the loan is until June, but if we are all happy I don’t think there will be a problem. I have to thank Leeds United and Víctor Orta for the facilities they have provided.”
League level: “There are six or seven teams that we know will be up, but the rest of us will fight not to go down. The main objective is permanence. If it is achieved soon, we will look higher. We have to be realistic. There will be many teams involved in the fight for salvation “.
Nico Rodríguez: “We have a very well covered goal”
Elche’s sports director, Nico Rodríguez, has accompanied Kiko Casilla in his presentation as a new soccer player for the Elche team. The Asturian has highlighted that the goal of the franjiverde team is “very well covered“:” We are delighted to have Kiko Casilla and Edgar Badia. We have a great level in goal and that gives us peace of mind. “
Nico Rodríguez has not wanted to ‘get wet’ with names of footballers who could leave Elche in this summer market. Regarding possible signings, the sports director franjiverde has insisted that they continue working in the search for players who “raise the level of the squad and take a leap in quality.”
