Liverpool’s new signing Víctor Muñoz has given his most detailed interview since completing his move to Anfield.
He explained why he believes the Premier League is the perfect fit for his game, revealing the conversations he had with Andoni Iraola and reflecting on the remarkable rise that has taken him from Real Madrid Castilla to the World Cup in little more than a year.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign with Osasuna before earning a move to England, and speaking to El Correo, he opened up on everything from his recovery from injury to leaving Barcelona’s academy as a teenager and why he feels Liverpool is the right place to continue his development.
We already covered another interview from him last week, where he revealed he “doesn’t really watch football”.
“The Premier League suits me”
Muñoz admitted he initially found it difficult to believe Liverpool wanted to sign him.
“You see it as something very far away because it’s such a huge club, but it was a great feeling.”
“I think the Premier League is the place that suits me because of my qualities and the way I play. I think taking this next step was the right decision.”
He also revealed that conversations with Andoni Iraola played a major part in convincing him.
“He explained a little about the way his teams play, how I could fit in, how he likes his wingers to play – staying wide, getting to the byline and working hard.”
“I’ve made the right move because those are characteristics I identify with.”
The Spaniard added that Iraola also made it clear he saw a role for him in his system.
“He told me that because of the way his teams play, the way they press and how he wants them to perform, I’m a player whose characteristics fit what he’s looking for. That’s another reason why I decided to take this step.”
“I can help change games”
Although he is still waiting to make his World Cup debut after recovering from injury, Muñoz already knows exactly what he wants to offer Spain whenever his opportunity arrives.
“Maybe I can help change games, stretch the opposition and try to be direct. Above all, I want to leave everything on the pitch for the team and my team-mates, and always try to help as much as possible.”
He also revealed what Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has been asking from him.
“He tells me to be myself, to do the same things I’ve done all year – drive forward, stretch the game and take defenders on. That’s what he asks from me and it’s what I’m eager to show on the pitch.”
Recovery almost complete after injury setback
Muñoz arrived at the World Cup while still recovering from the muscular injury that ended his club season, and then suffered another setback shortly after joining Spain’s squad.
Asked whether he is now ready to play a full match, he admitted there is still work to do.
“Little by little. I’ve been dealing with this recovery process for a long time. I’m only just getting back into training and finding my rhythm again, which isn’t easy when you’re working alongside the best players because they’re operating at such a high level.”
The encouraging news, however, is that he feels the worst is behind him.
“Now I’m training and feeling better, and that’s the important thing if I want to get back onto the pitch as soon as possible.”
Looking back at the injury itself, Muñoz admitted it was mentally challenging.
“It’s difficult because being here is a dream and you want to get onto the pitch as quickly as possible to play with your team-mates. That’s football, you have to live with these things, but the good news is that I’m feeling better every day.”
Barcelona release shaped his mentality
One of the most revealing moments of the interview came when Muñoz reflected on being released by Barcelona’s academy at the age of 14.
Rather than allowing it to define him, he believes it helped shape the player he has become.
“I’ve always focused on playing football because that’s what I enjoy. I’ve taken small steps, one after another, and I’ve been consistent. I think that’s one of the reasons I’ve ended up here.”
He admitted the experience was difficult at such a young age.
“It’s hard to deal with when you’re so young, but they’re experiences that make you stronger. Looking back now and seeing that I’ve reached a World Cup is something special.”
Barcelona later tried to bring him back while he was starring for Damm, but by then Real Madrid were also interested.
“Yes, there were moments when I didn’t really know what to say. But I wanted to leave home and experience what it was like to live entirely for football. In the end everything worked out really well.”
The pace of his rise has even surprised him.
“A year ago I was at Real Madrid Castilla. Then I joined Osasuna, now I’m at the World Cup and I’ve signed for Liverpool. No, I never imagined it.”
He added: “Everything has happened so, so quickly this year. I enjoyed every minute in Pamplona and that’s brought me this reward of playing at a World Cup. I’ll always be grateful.”
Emotional goodbye to Osasuna
Muñoz also paid an emotional tribute to Osasuna, making it clear how important the club has been for both him and his family.
“For me and my family it meant everything because they believed in me from the very first day.”
“It’s always difficult to back a young player, but they gave me every tool to grow. Everyone at the club and all my team-mates helped me enormously and I’ll always be very grateful.”
That made leaving particularly difficult.
“It’s complicated because when you’re so happy somewhere it’s never easy to move on. It’s a club that gave me everything. Both the club and the supporters were always there for me, so taking that next step was difficult.”
Ready for England
Finally, Muñoz dismissed any concerns about adapting to life in England.
“No. I’m already used to this kind of thing. I left home when I was 17. I enjoy new challenges and I’m excited to experience something different.”
Taken together, the interview paints the picture of a player whose career has accelerated at remarkable speed over the past year.
After leaving Osasuna for Liverpool, Muñoz now believes both his style of play and his mentality make him well suited to the demands of the Premier League, and he is determined to prove that once he has fully recovered from injury.