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How is your 'English' experience in the months you've been playing for Chelsea?
"Good, I'm very happy. Everything is going perfectly. At the beginning, there was a bit of adjusting, but in my case the help that I had from Chapi Ferrer smoothed things along and the first few months went very well".
How are things going with Claudio Ranieri?
"Very well. The trainer is giving me a lot of confidence, and I'm trying never to disappoint him. I don't have any reason to complain and I only have words of gratitude for him, because I am very pleased with the trust that he has placed in me".
Is English football as strong as they say it is?
"Yes, physically, it is stronger than Spanish football. The games involve more physical contact and are more complicated, but you end up adapting to this style of play".
Are you missing Spain and your lifestyle here?
"Not at all. Truly, I had a few days off, and I returned quickly to England as right now that's where my home is. I want to start over with this team, and I don't miss anything."
But in football terms, don't you miss the Spanish Liga?
"Neither, as when you are well and you feel happy, you don't miss anything. What's more, the people in England live the matches very intensively and they behave very well towards me".
Will you return to the Spanish Liga in the future?
"I don't know. I still have a four year contract ahead of me, and I'm not thinking about returning - although you never know".
While you have been in Barcelona, have you seen your old team-mates at Espanyol? What have you said to them?
"It's true that I have seen some of my old friends such as Argenso, Morales and Raùl Tamudo, and they told me how things are there" (Espanyol have had a disastrous start to the season).
Chelsea were ejected from the UEFA cup by Viking, and their next opponents will be Celta Vigo. What do you think of that defeat?
"Celta would do well not to under-estimate Viking at any moment and to be very careful. They are a very tough team and they grew against us, having scored a goal at home. They also scored in the last moments of both legs, which shows that they have a lot of self-confidence. That said, I don't think that Celta should have too many problems getting through to the next round".
I for one am extremely thankful that Enrique radiates loyalty, determination and confidence with regard to all questions that are directed towards his new club. He has settled quickly at Chelsea and has already established a good relationship with both the players and the fans.
The man carries a positive charge with him and he never fails to wear that innocent smile. He is true professional who is keen to impress his fellow players, the manager and the supporters. Long may it continue.
stevefurlong@chelsea-mad.co.uk