The 169 centimeters of muscle that appear in the awning area of Las Rozas, where interviews with international players have been held for a couple of years, are surprising.. Fran García (Ciudad Real, 24 years old) is standing straight, as they say, and speaks with that La Mancha accent that has not gone away in the 11 years he has been in Madrid. He arrived at 13 in Valdebebas, the glamour, and has spent three years in Vallecas, the neighborhood with K. From that mix has emerged a kid with an interesting speech, who, it seems, has not gone to his head to return to the brilliance of Real Madrid, where everything is multiplied by infinity.

He is in Las Rozas fighting for a position, that of left back, with Alejandro Balde, with the permission of José Luis Gayà, who is injured, and although it seems that tonight he will wait on the bench against Scotland, those who have seen him train this week do not have it so clear.

I read in an interview that he doesn't feel special for being a soccer player. Of course I don't feel special.. We are people who do their jobs, like others. We are lucky that we like our work, and we are happy to do it. But we are not different or special. In someone so young it is not common to hear that. Some seem to walk on the ground. Yeah, I don't know.. To be here you need to play football well, which is like a gift, and a lot of effort and sacrifice, of course, but there is also the luck factor, which is also important in this world.. But that doesn't make you different from another person who has to work eight hours a day. How do you feel different from a plumber? Not at all.. I don't feel different at all. We are equal people, we have feelings, we have to comply with the same rules. Being a footballer is not about being different or special. Not even in doing what you like? Well, yes, maybe in that. Many people have to go to work or dedicate themselves to something that does not really fulfill them, or that has nothing to do with what they have studied, a career or whatever.. But I insist, I think luck is very important. Do you still maintain contact with your people? Yes, yes, of course, and having the same friends. That doesn't have to change. But know that there are people who do change. Surely, but being humble, continuing to have your group of friends, your circle, is what keeps your feet on the ground.. It is important not to let your ego go up. We are normal people. Football is already too isolated and everything that involves having your feet on the ground and maintaining that core of people who tell you: 'Hey, let's see what you do' is essential.

Fran García, with the colors of the national team. RFEF Who is that group of people in your case? I have a very important group here in Madrid, because I came when I was 13, and then my family, my close friends there… When you return to town, is Fran or is he a Madrid player? Now that has changed a little. I try to be a normal person, but it's not easy. I understand it, huh! I have been a child and I have been the first to give a hard time when I saw someone famous on the street, and I chased him and didn't stop until he listened to me.. That's why when a child comes to me I always stop, because 10 seconds of your life brightens someone's day, and that's worth a lot.. Or a person who is not well emotionally and you encourage him. But does he feel that he can no longer be Fran since he plays for Madrid? I try to do the same things as always. That's important to me too.. Maybe I have had to change some aspects. For example? Well, for example, go to eat, instead of going at two o'clock when I know it will be full, go at three o'clock, or a little before. But nothing changes. There is the essence of the person. There are times when you can't, but the less you change, the better. What is the worst thing about playing for Madrid and the national team? Surely the pressure we are subjected to. But in every type of job there are good and bad things, and you have to deal with it and overcome it.

It is essential that they tell you what you do not want to hear

How do you cope? Well, being close to your people and knowing how to disconnect with your family and friends. How do you disconnect? Going for a walk and having a coffee in good company. I live in Alcobendas and go out through Valdelatas and La Dehesa. It's a very good area, I've been living there for three years, people already know me. Going to the movies or having coffee. Normal things. You didn't give up your studies. You can't forget about your studies, because you never know when this is over, and you always have to maintain. You seem very focused. I have people close to me who help me keep my feet on the ground and people who tell you things you don't want to hear. That's basic. A former coach of his says that he's a bit of an idiot in training. Yes, yes, sometimes I spend too much time training.