During Spain's training session, Eric García gave an exclusive interview to Marca. In this third part of the interview (split into three sections due to its length), he discussed his experience winning the FIFA World Cup.

You're still very young but have a lot of experience. If anyone knows what you've been through, it's Santi Denia, and now you're about to face him. Have you already spoken with him?

Santi has been a very important coach for me throughout my career, since I was young. He believed in me completely, and even brought me into teams with older age groups.

I always say I'm very grateful for everything he taught me. He taught me so much, and we've stayed in touch all this time because he's someone I really admire.

Do you know what he said about us before the final? He told me he saw you as a coach.

He's been saying that to me all along.

He said Eric isn't someone who just follows orders. If he sees something wrong, he speaks up.

That's right. Santi and I have had real football conversations, and yes, I do think I'll become a coach or sports director in the future, although I hope to play for another two or three years.

Now José Mourinho is back in La Liga. You were 11 years old when he first arrived. What do you think? Do you think the tension between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona will return? Will José Mourinho bring back old grievances, or is the situation more peaceful now? We're all more mature now.

Yes, but I think there will always be something special between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, so I believe this is the greatest rivalry in the world. I was very young back then and didn't experience those classic clashes, but I always felt those games were exciting.

Who will win the Ballon d'Or?

In my opinion, it should be Lamine Yamal or another Spanish player, but in this case, I think it's Lamine Yamal.

How has Lamine Yamal been playing on the left back position?

He makes everything look easy, and it's enjoyable to watch him play.

What would you say to those who think Lamine Yamal doesn't contribute much to the team's defensive work?

I think this season he's put in a lot of effort and contributed significantly. Our strong start to the league campaign hasn't been a coincidence. The forwards have helped us tremendously, especially in the pressing that we want to play. They're very important, and it shows.

What do you think about Raphinha not making the final 30-man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or?

Pedri wasn't on it either. What can I say? But the beauty of football is that sometimes these things, if you're already motivated, make you want to prove yourself even more. I think Raphinha's start to the season has already shown that. We won't say much more about it. For us, it's about him continuing to play and maintaining his current form.

How aware are you of how well FC Barcelona is playing right now? Do you feel it on the pitch?

Yes, absolutely. There are moments in games where we all feel amazed. We understand our level very well because we see it in training. However, it's true that we're playing very well right now, and it's also true that the season is still early and we have a long road ahead. But I think if we can maintain this consistency throughout the season, we'll achieve great success.

Can you reach the level of FC Barcelona during Guardiola's era? Can you reach that level?

I think that although there are similarities, our playing style is different. Their control of the game is absolute and decisive. We're like that in many moments too, but for us, pressing is very important. The immediacy of pressing after losing the ball, constantly pushing the opposition, squeezing the space, and keeping our defensive line high. So in that sense, we're quite different from them.

Did you feel disappointed that FC Barcelona didn't hold a celebration at Camp Nou for the world champions?

The club is very proud of everything we achieved that year, and they made that clear to us. That's all.

What kind of person are you in your personal life?

I'm very calm. Just a young guy who watches football, plays games with friends, trains, and that's about it.

You don't lose much, but when you do lose, what's it like?

I get very angry. Yes, I'm quite emotional.

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