Varela on Otamendi: "We've always had the best relationship, on and off the pitch"

In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nación, Alan Varela reflected on FC Porto's victorious season, emphasizing the crucial role of the derbies against Benfica, Sporting, and SC Braga in securing the title. The 24-year-old midfielder also discussed his relationship with Nicolás Otamendi and affirmed his complete focus on the blue and white club.

The key to winning the championship lay in their performance in big games. This was the conviction expressed by the Argentine, who highlighted the importance of not losing to direct rivals. "This year we performed well in all those games; we didn't lose to any of the big teams," he stated, describing these clashes as "tough matches" where "everything is on the line," as "a defeat can knock you out of the championship race." The overall assessment was therefore very positive: "I was very happy to win some derbies and not lose others, which allowed us to become champions."

In one of those derbies, he faced his compatriot and the Eagles' captain, Nico Otamendi. Despite the rivalry, their relationship is one of great respect. "With Nico, we've always had the best relationship, both on and off the pitch. We've always been respectful of each other. Obviously, it's a derby, and you leave everything on the field, but beyond that, nothing happens," he explained.

Despite rumors of interest from Premier League clubs, Varela's focus remains firmly on the Dragão. "I'm calm and 100% focused here at Porto. All those matters, obviously, are handled by my agent, and right now I'm not thinking about them," he assured, emphasizing that his immediate goal is different: "To be on the World Cup squad list."

Regarding FC Porto's objectives, ambition is paramount. "Here, we always aim to win everything, don't we? Domestic cups, but especially the league. The league is very important in Portugal because it gives you direct access to the Champions League, and it also matters a lot to have a good performance there next season," he detailed.

The Porto player also spoke about his connection to Boca Juniors, revealing that he maintains contact with Juan Román Riquelme, one of his idols, to whom he recently sent an FC Porto jersey. As a fan of the Argentine club, he lamented the serious injury to Agustín Marchesín, the former Dragons' goalkeeper: "I have teammates here who played with Marchesín and are very sorry about his injury. I, too, as a Boca fan, deeply regret that he got injured like that. But I hope he can recover in the best possible way."

Finally, on a more personal note, he recalled that his career took a new direction at 17 with the birth of his daughter. Football, which until then was merely a pleasure, became a priority. "I had to push myself to the maximum to give her a better life and reach the first division. I achieved that, and from then on, I always saw football as a means of living, but also to make history at every club I play for."