Argentine Otamendi recalls winning the World Cup: “A dream”

In an interview given to UEFA, defender Nicolás Otamendi, from Benficarevisited the experience of winning the world Cup with Argentina last year.

Eternal thanks for so much ARGENTINA. An unforgettable night that will remain in my memory for the rest of my life. Once I dreamed of being able to win the world championship and that my family/friends can enjoy this UNIQUE moment ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🇦🇷❤️ pic.twitter.com/6dnhA4V1G1

— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30) March 24, 2023

“As a player, it’s a dream to win a title for your national team. It’s been a dream since the beginning. And after having achieved that, I think the satisfaction is in remembering the origins. My family has always been with me, in good times or bad, because a player goes through different phases”, said the 35-year-old defender, who also commented on the fact that he reached his 100th appearance for the Argentine national team precisely in the final of the World Cup in Qatar, against France.

“I had the opportunity, luck, to be able to lift that trophy, to know how much it weighs. It’s remembering the beginning of a sacrifice that has to be made to be able to reach the elite and then, obviously, reach the national team, the whole journey , to reach 100 games. My goal was, of course, to reach 100 games and game number 100 was precisely the final. It was an extra and I am very happy”, continued Otamendi.

“I think that later, when it’s my turn to retire, I’ll remember all the moments lived. Of course, it’s a story to tell my children. It’s very beautiful and it gives extra satisfaction to be able to tell them who was the father”, added the player who has played for Manchester City, Porto, Valencia and Atlético-MG.

This Thursday, Otamendi returned to the field with Argentina for the first time since the World Cup title, in a friendly against Panama. Before the match, the players, as well as the coaching staff, were honored for winning the World Cup. The Argentines beat the Panamanian team 2-0.