Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya
Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya is in a reflective mood ahead of the Gunners clash with Atlético Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals this evening.
Arsenal take on the Spanish side this evening, in what can comfortably be described as one of the biggest games of Raya’s career.
Rise to the top
The Spanish goalkeeper is the undisputed number one at the Emirates these days. But it’s been an interesting path for the 30-year-old to get to that point.
He started his career with Cornella in Spain but moved to England early, joining Blackburn’s U18s in 2012.
The goalkeeper then spent time on loan at Southport, before returning to Blackburn for another four years. In 2019 he joined Brentford for €3.35m, and hasn’t looked back since.
He was a key player for the Bees during his four years there, before then joining Arsenal on loan in 2023. Now he’s considered among the best in Europe. And now he’s reflecting on the path he’s taken.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that if I hadn’t gone to England so young, I’d be working in the family business and not playing football,” he told Universo Valdano, relayed by Cadena SER.
“I haven’t been preparing all year… I’ve been working and preparing for this for 14 years.”
Atlético Madrid challenge
Now the focus turns to beating Atlético Madrid in a Champions League semi-final that should prove to be a close affair.
Arsenal head into the game with their focus divided, given they’re currently pushing to win the Premier League as well. David Raya therefore knows that he and his teammates need to put on a show.
“We know Atlético is a great team; it’s going to be a very difficult match in Madrid. We have to show that Arsenal is here to fight for the final,” he added.
Spanish legacy
A Premier League title, a Champions League title or both could help establish David Raya’s growing impact on Spanish football history.
He’s already got two Spanish titles to his name, having won the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship the following year as well.
He knows that legacy is very much in his grasp. And he admits Arsenal and the Spanish national team share ‘boundless ambition’.
“After winning the European Championship, we all think back to the years of 2008, 2010, and 2012,” he concluded.
“It’s always on your mind. You have to dream big, because otherwise you won’t achieve it, but you have to take it one step at a time,” he concluded. The first step towards that dream, could be against Atlético Madrid this evening.