Dani Ceballos, Real Betis's latest acquisition before the summer transfer window closed, was officially presented at the Luis del Sol Sports City on Wednesday. Returning to Real Betis after nine years, Dani Ceballos said he hopes to regain the recognition of the fans and repay their support over the years through his performances on the pitch. This is the first part of the article.

After the welcome video for Dani Ceballos ended, neither he nor his partner Luna Serrat could hold back tears. Dani Ceballos then began expressing his gratitude to those who helped him return.

Dani Ceballos said: "Thank you all, especially Ángel, José Miguel, Manu, Joaquín, Ramón, Alexis, Víctor... Thank you for doing everything possible for this. And also Álvaro, Merino, you are very important to me, and Canales... Special thanks to all Real Betis staff for allowing me to come home. This has been my home since childhood. I'm nervous and excited about this new journey at the same time. What I see is a very strong Real Betis, no, not just strong, but very strong. I'm here to make it even stronger. Now it's time to stop talking and prove myself on the pitch, and I want to repay the fans for all the love they've given me over the years."

What's it like training with Real Betis again?

Dani Ceballos said: "It was indeed a very intense day. Yesterday I spoke with Manu and told him I wanted to participate in today's training. I probably only slept two or three hours, but I wanted to catch the 7 a.m. flight to make it to training.

I put on my boots and spoke with the manager, and clearly told him that I can play whenever he needs me. This summer was very long, and I've been training, but not at 100% yet. However, that's for the manager to decide, and we must respect his decision."

How many times did you dream of returning to Real Betis?

Dani Ceballos said: "Happiness, relief, and anticipation—these three words sum up how I feel right now. I always dreamed of standing here. In fact, I never truly left Real Betis; it was always in my heart.

In terms of titles and history, I previously played for the best club in the world. Now I've come home, to where I want to be. There have been rumors about a possible return over the last few years, but various circumstances meant it only became reality this year. What could be better than returning to this Real Betis team that is making history and able to compete in the Champions League? That's thanks to my teammates who helped the team achieve that goal. I'm returning here with excitement and a desire to work hard, contribute, and take Real Betis to the highest possible position."

What does Real Betis mean to you?

Dani Ceballos said: "Real Betis never left my heart. Whenever my schedule allowed, I watched every Real Betis match over the years. My family also played a very important role in my decision to return. There were opportunities to complete a return in previous years, but everything has its time, and that time is now. We really had very little time at the end, but they still managed to complete the deal. Given everything involved with this type of transfer, it wasn't easy. I'm very happy to be back here. Real Betis means everything to me. Now it's time to prove that on the pitch, and I want to repay the fans for the love they've given me over the years."

What would you like to say to Pablo García?

Dani Ceballos said: "To Pablo I can only say, enjoy football. He's a player we developed here, who grew up here. He chose the right place. Now the most important thing for him is to establish himself in La Liga and be happy. He made a good decision, and it's what he wanted. I wish him all the best and as many goals as possible. If he can do that, we'll all be happy for him, because he's one of us."

What did Pellegrini ask of you?

Dani Ceballos said: "I had only about 10 minutes to get changed, and then I went out to train. After that I spoke with the manager. He welcomed me to the team and told me to enjoy all of this. This is a club I know very well, and we have an exciting season ahead. We know what it means to compete in the Champions League, and he'll need all 25 players, which is also key to us showing our best side this year."

What was the most difficult moment over the last few years?

Dani Ceballos said: "I was never worried the deal would fall through. I was always in contact with the club, and they always reassured me because we both understood the transfer market situation at the time. I patiently waited for this moment. It could have happened last year, or a year before that, or even 5 years ago, but now all the pieces have finally fallen into place.

My partner told me to follow my heart. I have two daughters, and they make me the happiest, and Seville is the best city for them to grow up in.

When my daughters were born, Ángel sent me their membership cards. I always felt the club's love and everyone's. The fans give me goosebumps, and I can't wait to get back on the pitch and repay their trust with my performances."

What was the process of leaving Real Madrid and ultimately joining Real Betis?

Dani Ceballos said: "The whole process was actually straightforward; we set deadlines. Of course, there were always some complications, but the communication from the club always reassured me. I trusted them, and now I'm here, very happy and grateful to them.

Regarding Real Madrid, I can only say thank you. I did have a year left on my contract, but some chapters simply must end. I spoke with the club and Mourinho, explained my situation to him, and we needed to fully close that chapter. I also have to thank the president because he made everything simpler. I only have gratitude toward Real Madrid for everything they gave me. Including meeting the mother of my children there, who gave me a beautiful family.

Who was I thinking about when I signed the contract? To be honest, only my girlfriend, my mom, and my sister knew about it at the time; I didn't even have time to tell my grandparents. Now I'm getting many messages. I think about the years when a return wasn't possible, and now, almost 10 years later, I can finally come home with satisfaction. I think about all the people who helped me and supported me on this journey."

Переведено ИИ.

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