SAINTS stalwart Oriol Romeu revealed how he originally plied his trade up front as a youngster – and looked up to Brazilian superstar Ronaldo. Midfielder Romeu started his youth career with hometown club Ulldecona before progressing into the academies at Espanyol and Barcelona. Speaking to the Daily Echo earlier this season about his admiration for the Brazilian great,
Oriol Romeu said: “He used to be my idol. I used to play as a striker back then – surprisingly, I used to score goals! I remember when he went to Barca, before 2000 I think it was, with Bobby Robson as a manager. He had a hell of a season and scored more than 30 goals, which was amazing back then. I always used to really admire him.”
Asked if he always wanted to be Ronaldo growing up,
Oriol Romeu joked: “Probably, that’s why I’m shaving, the only thing I’m missing is the goals! I felt like I could score goals but when I made my next step, I went to Espanyol, the other team in Barcelona, and I already started playing as a midfielder and just went backwards (in position) from then on.”
Romeu went on to graduate through the Barcelona academy, as well as feature for the likes of Chelsea, Valencia and Stuttgart. Since arriving at St Mary’s, the former Spain under-21 international has made himself a fans’ favourite on the south coast, playing 242 games in all competitions. Asked how important it was in general for young supporters to have a role model,
Oriol Romeu said: “Football is well-known, everyone sees you and they sometimes want to be in your position. But it’s just a game. The only thing is being a good example and being there for the kids whenever we need to. We also have a small academy back in my hometown and I try to spend time with the kids whenever I go – just being there with them and showing them what you are doing. Showing them you do normal things – because sometimes they think you do different things! It’s just the main thing to do and I really enjoy it.”
Romeu is set to be involved when Saints host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Thursday (7.30pm).
