Víctor Muñoz has opened up about the injury that threatened to derail his World Cup and explained why he ultimately chose Liverpool after spending days at the centre of transfer speculation involving Newcastle United.
The 22-year-oldlooked set to join the Magpies for much of the past week, with several reports in Spain claiming Newcastle had reached an agreement with both the player and Osasuna before the deal unexpectedly went in another direction.
Now, speaking to Spanish outlet Cadena SER after completing his move to Liverpool, Muñoz has explained how quickly everything happened and why he made the decision.
“You can’t turn down an opportunity like this”
Among the biggest new details was the influence of Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola. Asked how important the Spaniard had been in convincing him to move to Anfield after being so close to Newcastle United, Muñoz admitted the manager played a significant role.
“He transmitted his confidence to me, the way his team plays… he played an important role in my decision.”
The Spain international also revealed how quickly the transfer came together.
“It all happened very quickly.”
World Cup injury scare
Away from the transfer, Muñoz spoke candidly about the muscular injury that has overshadowed the start of his World Cup.
The problem arrived towards the end of last season and initially prevented him from making his tournament debut, despite having earned his first senior Spain call-up after an excellent campaign with Osasuna.
Manager Luis de la Fuente still included him in the squad despite that setback and has gradually increased his workload since the team arrived at the tournament.
Explaining where things stand now, Muñoz admitted the recovery hit another obstacle.
“We were managing the injury, but I felt some discomfort again and we’re trying to restart the process so I can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”
“These have been very difficult moments because this is a childhood dream and seeing it threatened by an injury is incredibly frustrating.”
Support from team-mates and psychologist
The Liverpool signing also explained that the support around Spain’s camp has helped him through the toughest period of his recovery.
“My team-mates have been a fundamental pillar in making sure I wake up motivated every day.”
He also praised Spain psychologist Javier López Vallejo for helping him deal with the situation.
“Both before coming here and since we’ve been here, I’ve had my conversations with Javi. He helps me a great deal. He helps me see another perspective on everything that’s happening here. It’s a pleasure to have him.”
Osasuna farewell and focus on recovery
Muñoz also made sure to pay tribute to Osasuna, where he enjoyed the breakthrough season that attracted Premier League attention.
“It’s an incredible place. I’ll always keep it in my heart. They gave me the best footballing year of my career.”
The winger also admitted he deliberately ignored much of the speculation surrounding his future while Spain were preparing for the World Cup.
“I’ve been focused on the World Cup. I didn’t want to hear much about my future unless it was something concrete.”
Although he has yet to feature in the tournament after suffering the injury in the penultimate league game of the season against Espanyol, there is hope he could return if Spain continue progressing.
Spanish reports suggest Muñoz could be available for the knockout rounds, potentially as early as the last 16. That is now all the player is thinking about.
“It’s the only thing I’m thinking about. It’s a dream and I want to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”