90s California Runner Mom

Here’s the last part of the Esteban Granero Jot Down interview, which is probably the most personal segment (my favorite kind), as the magazine delves into Esteban’s literary, musical and film tastes.

You shared a photo of many books: Valle Inclán, Maupassant, Gil de Biedma, Bukowski, Carver, Kafka, Miguel Hernández… have you read all of them already?

I’ve read all of them.  The Valle Inclán one was good.  You have to become the language, at least that’s how it is for me.  There are some things that you need to read twice.  I’m not used to the language from another time, one that is so literary, and I had to use the dictionary.  But el esperpento [a type of theater developed by Valle Inclán] is still very much present now.  I believe that works from that era are good ones to read, it was so complicated…

Here’s the second part of the Esteban Granero Jot Down interview.  In this part, he talks about the cantera, quotes Nietzsche and says he prefers reading books to tweeting.  A man after my own heart.

Does Cristiano descend from the mountain when he’s not on the field?

He’s on the mountain because he’s a player who lives at the summit.  He demands that of himself.  He’s so good and so determinant that he’s there, and that’s his place.  He’s affectionate, understanding, a good friend to his friends and a good teammate to his teammates.  Regrettably, the image he has off the field does not correspond to reality, because envy tends to discredit a footballer when he’s that high up.  But he doesn’t need to come down from the mountain.  He’s up there due to his own merits.  I hope he continues there.  One can be a good person and…

The Jot Down interview with Esteban Granero is out, and it’s a fantastic one, although there’s probably too much talk about psychology in the beginning, which made translating the interview quite tedious.  It’s great to see this philosophical side of El Pirata, and once again we are reminded that he is one very special footballer, and I’m not speaking about his skills on the field.  But, if you can’t be bothered to read the interview or just don’t have time, then take a look at the photos, because they are gorgeous (the whole set can be found here).  I love that the interview and the photo shoot took place at the Biblioteca Nacional!  Anyway, here’s the first part of the interview, just the first section, because I’ve translated enough for today and I have other things on my agenda!

A Real Madrid footballer who studies psychology.  Looking back, he’s…