Málaga's Camacho cutting it with the big boys
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
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Málaga CF's Ignacio Camacho tells UEFA.com how being roughed up by his older brothers helped to prepare him for UEFA Champions League success and a Spain debut.
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With his father and older brother both professionals (Juan José Camacho and Juanjo Camacho respectively), Málaga CF's Ignacio Camacho had quite an act to live up to, but the 24-year-old is making a name for himself in Andalusia. A UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner with Spain in 2013, he made his debut for the senior side in November's 1-0 friendly defeat to Germany and his side are battling for a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. He spoke to UEFA.com about his achievements, his hopes for 2015 and having football as a family business.
UEFA.com: At 24 you have already played for Real Zaragoza, Club Atlético de Madrid and Málaga. Do you see yourself as an old head?
Ignacio Camacho: Even though I am young, I have lived in three different cities. I left Zaragoza at 15 and went to Madrid with my family, who were very important. I started my professional career at Atlético at 17, and then at 20 I came to Málaga. I've had some ups and downs along the way.
UEFA.com: You're the son of a footballer. Was there a pressure to follow in his footsteps?
Camacho: There was no pressure, but I was always playing with my older brothers, who never stopped playing football. They are six and ten years older than me, but I always played with them. That made me more ambitious and more of a fighter, because I always wanted to beat them, even though they were so much bigger than me. I think that helped me later on.
UEFA.com: In 2013, you got to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with Málaga and won the Under-21 title with Spain, while in 2014 you made your senior debut. Have these been the best years of your career?
Camacho: The season in the UEFA Champions League with Málaga was incredible. The whole city was behind the team, who got a lot further than people expected. Since then, I've made my debut for Spain, which is something I am very proud of. It is a dream come true given I had already played for the junior sides and won the U21 title.
UEFA.com: Málaga are having a good season; is the UEFA Champions League a possiblity again?
Camacho: I'm being calm. It is still relatively early in the season. Our fans are excited and want to see us at the top of the table, but we know the most important game is always the next one, and that we have to train hard during the week. We need to approach each game as if it is our last, then we will see how high we can finish.
UEFA.com: What are your hopes for 2015?
Camacho: That I stay clear of injuries – something every footballer wants but is out of our hands – and to also improve everyday, which is something that is in our hands.