Marcos Senna: "Iniesta is a legend"

Marcos Senna was a central figure in the Spain team that won Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, returning La Roja to the pinnacle of European football 44 years on from their first major international trophy triumph. The midfielder also left his mark at Villarreal CF, where for 10 years he carved out a career that won over fans right across the country. The 39-year-old continues to contribute his skills to LaLiga in his role as an Ambassador, and was only too willing to give us his words of wisdom on Spain’s second group game at Euro 2016.

Spain won their opening game against the Czech Republic with an 88th-minute goal from Gerard Pique, and Senna was one of the many fans who breathed a huge sigh of relief at the end. “The sensations were good, it was just a shame we couldn’t have scored earlier," he said. "The team worked well, but the most important thing was to get the three points."

After the game, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque singled out one player, above all else, for special attention: FC Barcelona's midfield maestro Andres Iniesta. “I don’t believe there is anybody who doesn’t like the way Iniesta plays football,” he said laughing. “He’s a legend, a phenomenon, aside from being a great person."

Senna is nominated to present the Man-of-the-Match trophy at the end of Friday’s game against Turkey, an award Iniesta took home from Spain’s tournament opener. "I hope it’s one of our players again. That would be a good sign,” he said.

In 2008, it was Fernando Torres who scored the goal that delivered a 1-0 victory over Germany in the final in Vienna. Marcos Senna was the midfield anchor in Luis Aragones’s team at that tournament. "It was an incredible time, very good,” he said. “We all got on so well together, we were really united as a group.” Looking at the current side, Senna was positive. "It won’t be easy, but of course I see this team as being more than capable of retaining the title,” he said. “We’ve already seen this is going to be an evenly-balanced European championship, but Spain are the holders and they are one of the favourites.” 

On Friday at 21:00 CET, Spain play their second Group D game against Turkey and a familiar face from LaLiga, FC Barcelona’s Arda Turan. Asked for a prediction he was quite specific with his reply: “A 2-0 win with goals from (Alvaro) Morata and Sergio Ramos." You heard it here first!