"That was when I knew I wanted to take this opportunity"

Chuki has now completed his first few training sessions as a Werder player, giving the 22-year-old Spaniard an initial taste of life at his new club. Speaking through an interpreter in the mixed zone on Wednesday afternoon, 15th July 2026, Chuki answered questions from the media about...

…his first few days in Bremen: "The first few days have been really good and I have settled in well. Everything I have seen and everyone I have met so far makes me think I will settle in quickly. We communicate in English and I am also taking English lessons. I only know a few words of German so far. Everyone is making a real effort to translate things for me and make sure I feel involved. Everyone in this team looks out for each other.”

…his move to Germany: “It is definitely a big step in my career and one that gives me a lot of confidence. I had heard how good the atmosphere is at Werder and in the Bundesliga. It is a change for me, but I felt mentally ready for it. I had always dreamed of moving to Germany because I want to experience other countries and leagues and see how they live and breathe football. I am really excited to experience German football for myself.”

…his nickname Chuki: “I have had this nickname for as long as I can remember. Even when I was a little boy, and throughout my time in football, nobody has ever called me anything else. It has become my trademark and has always been the name on the back of my shirts. It does not have a literal meaning.”

…his welcome from the Werder supporters: “You can sense how much people love football here. All the messages were positive and some of them were incredibly kind. That only motivates me and I do not feel any pressure at all. I am grateful for the faith people have shown in me and want to show what I can do on the pitch. A welcome like that is not something you can take for granted. It feels very special.”

…his former and future teammate Karl Hein: “As soon as it became clear that a move to Bremen was a possibility, I got in touch with Karl. I asked him what life in the city was like, whether it was a nice place to live and what football in Germany was like. He had nothing but good things to say, and that was when I knew I wanted to take this opportunity. For example, he told me that the atmosphere in Bremen is unlike anything he has experienced before. I cannot wait to experience it myself.”

…his first season with Werder: “Whenever I get the opportunity, I want to help the team. Of course, I would love to score goals too. A lot of people see me as a talented young Spanish player, and I want to live up to that, play my part and contribute plenty of assists so that we score more goals than we did last season.”

…his departure from Valladolid: “I spent a long time there and took my first steps in the game. It was a hugely important part of my career – everything began for me at Valladolid. I am therefore extremely grateful. Towards the end, the coach spoke to me and explained that he would not play me as often because he wanted to give opportunities to players who would still be there next season. Of course, you always want to play, but I understood that they also needed to prepare for next season. They were also pleased for me that I was able to take the next step in my career in Germany.”

…his brother: “My brother will come to Bremen with me and we will live together. It is the first time I have lived away from home, so naturally I need some support. This is the perfect arrangement for me. I know I can rely on him to support me and help me settle in here. Hopefully, that will also have a positive impact on what I can produce on the pitch.”

…the Spanish national team: “It was a brilliant game yesterday and it is fantastic that we won and are through to the final. I am still at the start of my career, and of course every player dreams of representing their country one day. For me, it is important to keep my feet on the ground and focus on each challenge as it comes. First and foremost, I need to work hard and prepare for a season full of emotion with Werder. My absolute priority is helping Werder Bremen achieve our goals.”