Fabian Ruiz, the 30-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Spain midfielder, spoke to The Athletic about various topics, including the Champions League, the tensions at the end of the World Cup, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (the 25-year-old PSG and Georgia forward), and Ousmane Dembélé (the 29-year-old Paris and France forward).
Ruiz “fighting to do something historic.”
The objectives?
We hope this year we can compete again to win the Champions League for a third time. It’s our principal objective this year — to be there, fighting to do something historic.
A very difficult final after the goal scored by Arsenal?
From there, they sat back, we tried to attack, but it was difficult. We know they’re a great team, they group together very well to defend, and they’re aggressive players. Ous’ goal came from the penalty spot; that gave us a bit more calmness.
Ruiz “We always try to give a good example for everyone”
Tensions after the World Cup final?
“It’s a moment which everyone saw, which nobody likes to see. There are young kids who watch football who we shouldn’t show that to as an example. You need to know how to win and you need to know how to lose. Nobody likes to lose but it was a slightly ugly moment in a World Cup final.
We always try to give a good example for everyone, because everyone watches football — from the youngest to the oldest. It was a moment nobody liked, but I hope it’s forgotten and people remember our celebrations, which were unforgettable.
Ruiz “He understands football very well, it helps us”
The 50-match unbeaten run with Spain?
It’s incredible that I’ve played 50 matches for the national team and never lost. It’s an anecdotal stat but the less we lose, the better.”
Kvaratskhelia ?
He’s an incredible player, above all in the opposition half of the pitch, where he breaks lines easily, he’s got a great shot with his right foot. He understands football very well, it helps us midfielders a lot because he knows where the spaces are, he knows how to receive the ball to feet, how to go long. He’s a winger who helps us a lot in defence, it’s one of his specialties.
Ruiz “He’s an incredible person who makes you better”
Dembélé is special ?
That’s why he won the Ballon D’Or last year, because he’s a player who stands out above the rest, for his abilities, the way he plays with both feet, his speed, for the goals he scores. Defensively, he helps us a lot, which for us as midfielders is important.
I’d also mention the human part, which nobody sees, only those of us who are here with him, those of us who enjoy his presence on a daily basis. He’s an incredible person who makes you better, who helps you, who transmits happiness to the dressing room. I’d highlight that above all.
Is it still possible to win the Champions League?
Why shouldn’t we dream about a third Champions League, about winning all the trophies possible?”
