Sergio Asenjo (36) has established himself as one of those footballers who make the leap to television after hanging up their boots—or in his case, his gloves. His experience as a professional gives him a privileged perspective on the beautiful game, which he now brings to the media outlets he collaborates with, such as Movistar Plus+.
Indeed, the Palencia native knows every side of football, having played for teams like Valladolid, Atlético de Madrid, Villarreal or Málaga and facing the toughest side of the sport—serious injuries—on several occasions.
From the pitch to the studio
Question: How do you view your transition from the pitch to the microphone?
Answer: "After so many years in the dressing room, staying connected to football was a natural step for me. Now I experience it from a different perspective, analyzing and commenting on what happens on the field. I try to share the experience my career has given me and explain details that often go unnoticed from the outside."
Q: What do you remember about your breakthrough at Real Valladolid?
A: "Everything happened very quickly. I made my debut at a very young age and was lucky to have the trust of Mendilibar and the club. I had teammates who helped me a lot at the start of my professional career. Valladolid will always be my home. Those years were full of learning."
Move to Atlético and injury struggles
Q: Then came Atlético de Madrid... How did that move happen?
A: "Signing for Atlético was a huge step in my career. I arrived full of excitement and high expectations, but injuries struck at a difficult time. Those years at Atleti were like a masterclass in football and mental strength. I was fortunate to win my first trophies as a professional."
Q: What is the hardest part about suffering so many serious injuries?
A: "Without a doubt, managing the uncertainty. Physical recovery is tough, but the mental side is even harder. You wonder when you'll return, if you'll get back to your level, or if you'll be able to enjoy football like before. I learned to be patient and to truly value every training session and every match."
Q: Tell us briefly about your time at Villarreal.
A: "Villarreal put their faith in me at a very difficult moment in my career and I will always be grateful. There I found stability, confidence, and was able to experience some of the best moments of my sporting life. It's a special club for me and my family."
Spain remains a global benchmark
Q: What chances does the Spanish national team have at this summer's World Cup?
A: "Spain always has the talent to compete with anyone. We have a very good generation, young players with a lot of quality, and a very clear playing style. Many factors come into play at a World Cup, but I think Spain should always aim to be among the best. I believe they can win the World Cup."
Q: It seems Spanish football is losing ground compared to other major leagues...
A: "I think Spanish football still has a huge amount of talent. Maybe other leagues now have more financial power and attract more players, but the level of training and competitiveness in Spain continues to be a benchmark. The key is to keep investing in youth development and its growth."
His new life
Q: What are the main differences you notice between experiencing football as a player and as a commentator?
A: "As a player, you're focused on the next training session or the upcoming match. As a commentator, you have a different perspective, since you live more in the present, following what's happening day to day with the teams to stay informed. You can observe tactical aspects and decisions that go unnoticed when you're playing because you're completely focused on performing."
Q: What do you like to do when you're not thinking about football?
A: "Now I enjoy spending more time with my family and doing things that were harder during my professional career because of the schedule and travel. I like to stay connected to sports with cycling, padel... My goal is to keep growing professionally and enjoy this new stage with the same excitement I had during my playing career."
