Marc Bartra Reflects on His Birthday and the Joy of Playing for Betis

Marc Bartra made an appearance on Betis TV last night to celebrate his 35th birthday. The captain of Real Betis expressed his joy, stating, “I am very happy because the best gift was yesterday’s victory, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, and the manner in which it happened. I am very, very happy. Additionally, my brother, who is my twin, surprised me with a visit.”

Reflecting on his time at the club, Bartra described it as a “wonderful second chapter” in his career. “I told my teammates today that while my family isn’t physically close on a day-to-day basis, my time here feels like family as well. This deep sense of belonging to the team instills a powerful spirit that drives me to work harder. I feel privileged to celebrate my birthday at a club that means so much to me.”

Bartra also spoke about the unique connection he feels with the Betis community. “From the very beginning, the way I was welcomed by the fans, the staff, and the management was special. I sensed that everyone was proud to have me as part of the family. Betis possesses a certain magic that captures your heart. It makes you want to support the team through thick and thin, reminding you that you’re never alone in challenging times. These shared moments of joy and sorrow solidify my belief that Betis is a significant part of my life, akin to family and home.”

Discussing his experience as a veteran player, Bartra noted the importance of continuity and growth within the team since his arrival. “When I joined a club that was on an upward trajectory, particularly after the president’s arrival, I witnessed a foundation for greatness being established from within. I have been fortunate to experience this growth firsthand, especially under the current coach, who has instilled a winning mentality in the players, which is truly rewarding.”

Bartra acknowledged the challenges faced throughout his career, stating, “I’ve experienced all kinds of ups and downs. We tend to remember the good times, as they make us feel alive and validate our hard work. However, challenging moments, such as severe injuries or when the team hasn’t received the recognition it deserved, have contributed to our growth. This resilience is part of what makes Betis special, and we have always forged ahead with a strong sense of teamwork and belonging.”

Regarding the Copa del Rey, he remarked, “Football is very results-oriented. In Oviedo, we deserved to win, and the score could have easily been 1-3 or 1-4, but that’s football. The team knows improvements are necessary, and we believe we can achieve that. Our recent match demonstrated the intensity and spirit we need to carry forward. The fans were in tune with the team’s needs, providing support when it was most crucial. Their energy can be contagious, and yesterday we felt that connection.”

Bartra emphasized the significance of the fans, stating, “Not only since my arrival but even when I played against Betis, I sensed something special about the fanbase that is rare to find elsewhere. This connection allows for a mutual support that can lead to great achievements. When the fans understand what we require at any moment, we can accomplish remarkable things, as we have shown.”

Looking ahead, he added, “With three matches remaining before the final, we must be at our best, as every opponent will present challenges. Details are crucial, and I believe we are prepared for this. Last year’s experiences in knockout rounds have greatly enhanced our team spirit and ambition. We must leverage this experience to succeed in crucial moments, as we did in our recent match.”

As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Villarreal, Bartra stated, “Villarreal is a formidable team, and we will need to show our best selves to secure three points. This recent victory has ignited positive emotions, and with our fans’ support, who will undoubtedly bring their energy, we aim to capitalize on this momentum.”

Finally, he expressed his happiness for teammate Chimy Ávila, saying, “I am very glad for him, as he has not had many minutes on the pitch. However, this is part of being on a team—when called upon, players step up and give their all. The long season means opportunities arise, and I hope those two goals give Chimy the confidence to continue performing well in the future.”