Spain have had four years to get used to life without Kike Boned, with things having gone pretty well for them in that time. Even so, seasoned futsal fans are still adjusting to the fact the former captain and No8 is not in action at the FIFA Futsal World Cup Colombia 2016.
There is a very good reason why they should be missing the ex-defender, who remains in impeccable shape at the age of 38. After all, he contested four consecutive futsal World Cups, reaching the final on every occasion. A champion in 2000 and 2004 and a runner-up in 2008 and 2012, he bade farewell to the national side at the last of those tournaments.
“How will I be watching the Colombia World Cup? As a spectator, as a futsal fan in general and a Spain fan in particular,” a smiling Kike told FIFA.com. “Obviously, it’s going to feel strange and maybe it’ll even be a little difficult for me, but I can see myself enjoying it, free of the nerves and pressure that usually come with such a big competition.”
Asked to explain what futsal means to him now, the Valencia-born player said: “I still can’t really say, because I’ve changed. In the first part of my life it was a hobby, something I did for fun. Then, and for a very long time, it was my life, my profession and my passion. These days I’m still a fan who loves the sport, but I need to move on to a new phase in my relationship with the game.”
Choices made One thing he is sure of is that the decision to hang up his shoes was the right one, even if he is still more than fit enough to step on to the court at Colombia 2016. He proved that point in Medellin in May, appearing in an exhibition match between the all-new FIFA Futsal Stars Team and Colombia, held to mark the World Cup draw.
“It was the right time,” he said of his retirement. “My priorities had changed and I didn’t need to wait for futsal to say to me: ‘Kike, that’s enough’. I haven’t regretted it at all.”
Nor has he regretted the decisions he took during his World Cup career, such as having injections so he could play through the pain of a hip injury at Brazil 2008, or being persuaded by his team-mates and coach to run out at Thailand 2012, having originally planned to retire before the finals.
“I wouldn’t want my World Cup career to be any different to what it is,” added Kike, who scored Spain’s opening goal in their final win in 2004. “With the two titles I wouldn’t change any of the things I’ve been fortunate enough to experience thanks to this competition, despite the two defeats.”
Turning his thoughts to Colombia 2016, Kike is in no doubt as to who he thinks will win. “I always have faith in Spain, no matter who’s in their group or who they face in the knockout stages. They proved it at the last European Championships, where they had several injuries and problems and still won the title.”
Will that story be repeated in Colombia? “The team has shown just how competitive it is. They push themselves from day one,” he answered. “Ultimately, it’s the run of the ball that will decide how far we go, but I’m hoping to see Spain stick a third star on their chest.”
