How is this pre-season training going?

“It’s going well. We’re happy to see so many fans because of their enthusiasm and the energy and positivity they give us. It’s very important for us to have them here supporting us.”

“We’re working very well. I won the practice matches, which is always nice. It’s all about winning. So, it was a good day of training.”

This is your twelfth training camp as a professional; you’ve done many in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. Is there any difference?

“My experience in Germany was that there was much more off-the-ball work. We also did a lot of running without the ball with [Gian Piero] Gasperini. The rest is quite similar. A lot of running with the ball and off-the-ball running. But I always enjoy it. You work hard, but you’re more than happy to. I need to train to play well afterwards. So although the days are long and tough, I know that afterwards you perform well on the pitch.”

You are always described as one of the leaders of the team. The training camp is when you lay the foundations for the upcoming season. What are you trying to share with the team?

“My mindset, discipline, the will to work hard and whatever I can offer. I’m very authentic so it comes easily. I’m trying to do this myself on the pitch and to share it with the rest of the team.”