Aitor Ruibal Reflects on His Decade at Betis and Upcoming Challenges

Aitor Ruibal, one of the captains of Real Betis, granted an interview to the club’s official media this Tuesday, expressing his strong sense of belonging to the green-and-white team, where he has been for ten years and hopes to remain “for a lifetime.” He also emphasized the significance of the Europa League match this Thursday, his relationship with coach Pellegrini, and his adaptability as a player.

Regarding his physical condition, Ruibal stated, “Well, I’m feeling quite under the weather. It’s typical for this time of year, and for me, it’s been a recurring issue. However, with medication, I manage well. Once I’m on the field, my lungs open up, and I feel different.”

As a seasoned member of the squad, he remarked, “I don’t see myself as old, but indeed, this December marks ten years since I arrived in Seville. I spent two years on loan in Madrid, but I have now been a part of Real Betis for a decade.”

This season, Ruibal has had significant playing time: “I initially started playing a bit higher up the pitch, and I scored in the first match. I felt good physically and mentally. I experienced a minor injury against Celta, which set me back a bit, but I’m back to a good level now.”

Discussing his versatility, he noted, “I’m ready to adapt and available for whatever is asked of me, ensuring I’m prepared at all times.”

He stressed the importance of the upcoming match against Utrecht: “Yes, winning that match would practically secure our qualification. We must not be complacent, as we know that in football, anything can happen. These are crucial three points.”

Ruibal acknowledged the need to avoid the playoff in February: “Yes, especially since the two upcoming matches are away in Europe. Securing these three points is vital for building confidence heading into the weekend.”

When asked about the anticipation for the derby, he replied, “It’s normal for fans to be eager for the derby. However, we must first focus on Thursday and ensure we secure those important three points before thinking about Sunday.”

On the relocation to La Cartuja, he said, “It’s a good stadium, and while I miss the Benito, it’s working out well. Ultimately, Betis fans adapt anywhere we go; they would travel to Málaga just the same.”

Regarding Isco’s renewal, he expressed excitement: “We were eager for him to join us. We were unaware of his renewal, and we are very pleased for him as he is a fundamental pillar of this team. It’s crucial to have him here as he regains good form and adapts quickly.”

He noted that the best version of the team is yet to come: “Yes, I believe so. Beginnings are never easy, especially with three competitions. Adjusting to the rhythm of many matches and travel is challenging. But now is the critical phase of the season, where we need to finish the first half strongly and start the second half well. We need to step up and be the best Betis.”

Ruibal expressed his hopes for the Champions League: “Yes, obviously. But I believe we’ve improved a lot compared to last year. We are forming a closer group and family. I recall that around this time last year, we were in a much worse position. We must look upward with confidence; we all have a strong desire to dream about the Champions.”

He acknowledged the difficulty of upcoming matches against teams like Girona: “No match is easy. That has been somewhat taxing for us. Matches that we should ideally win are complicating for us. We might lack a bit more experience in knowing that not every game goes as planned, and we need to give 100% every minute because any team can beat us.”

Regarding his connection with Pellegrini, he commented, “Yes, it improves every year. As people get to know each other better, it becomes evident. He respects the coach-player relationship, and there’s a noticeable rapport between us, perhaps stronger than with newer players, but he maintains professionalism in that regard.”

Reflecting on teammates who have departed, he said, “Yes, we live for football and making friends in a locker room can be tough. You believe someone will be in your life for a long time, but they may leave the following year, and communication is lost. It’s complicated, but I have made great friends through football, and I’m thankful for them.”

When asked why Betis captures the hearts of many, he remarked, “I can’t precisely explain it. It’s a unique feeling. I think those who want to understand it must experience it. My friends from Barcelona, from a small town of six or seven thousand people, come to the stadium and say it’s incredible. Thanks to me being here, they’ve lived unique moments, like the Cup final or the Conference final. Most of them support either Barça or Madrid, but it’s a different sentiment. It’s a different culture; I can’t quite explain it.”

He reminisced about his grandfather: “Yes, I don’t get emotional as much anymore. He passed away about a year and a half after I joined the club. He helped me tremendously. Being far from home, having him here for almost four months out of the eleven I needed to stay made me very happy. He was a crucial person in my life, the most important one, and I miss him dearly. But life goes on, and people leave.”

As a father, he stated, “Of course, now there’s another little person, and we prioritize him. It’s an incredible stage that I’m enjoying immensely. I try to spend as much time as possible with my son and teach him everything my grandfather and family instilled in me, although he is still very young.”

On whether he would like his son to become a footballer, he said, “I think he’s already obsessed with it from watching so much. At just one and a half years old, he’s fascinated with balls, football, and Betis. He loves going to the stadium, and that makes me very happy.”

Discussing his tattoos, he noted, “Yes, many have significance, while others do not. The car tattoo is of an R11, which was my grandfather’s first car when I lived in Sallent. Later, he had other cars, but that one holds a special memory for me.”

Regarding his sports tattoos, he shared, “I have one from the 2022 Cup. They represent stages of my life. I might want to remove most of them now, but they remind me of the phases I’ve gone through, and I like seeing and recalling them.”

Finally, when asked if he is happy at Betis, he concluded, “Very happy. Let’s see if they offer me a lifetime contract so I can stay here forever.”