Not a gram of fat left, smile wide and ready for whatever comes next. He registers in the registry INEM and, for the first time, begins a new chapter with Hercules this Saturday. In just seven days, Roger Rivera moved from the quiet corners of the Pyrenees to the spotlight, lining up in the sunlit Mediterranean climate as a fresh presence in his new club. Life favors those who seize the moment.
“First of all, I wish Marcelo Djaló all the luck in the world and a good recovery. You have us for whatever you need”, says the Hercules defender after hearing his thanks from the technical staff for the decision to move down two divisions and for making things as smooth as possible. Rivera adds, “For me, arriving at a club like Hercules matters, and we hope to show our gratitude at the end of the year because that is when it counts. I really want to start tomorrow and we will do everything.”
The Barcelona player is set to headline Saturday’s match between Badalona and Futur, and she admits, “I feel strong physically and if the coach thinks I am ready, I will start helping right away.” The primary duty of any defender is to defend, and from there to contribute as much as possible. Gaining possession is ideal, because she is prepared for it.”
Riera received clear news: Eder Sarabia did not place trust in him for new lessons before the end of the inter-club transfer window. Rivera reflects, “It’s not pleasant to end a contract on the last Sunday, and I never saw myself in this position. Still, a deal was reached because I want to be happy when I play football.” Paco Pena soon after, they found mutual understanding and a quick accord. Rivera, a Blue and White defender, emphasizes that there are few places where football can be enjoyed more than in Alicante, aided by a former Hercules striker. Carlos Martínez, promoted to the Second Division in Andorra last year, adds, “Carlos is a place to be happy, and he wouldn’t hesitate to accept the challenge on my behalf.”
Riera believes he is part of a cohesive unit: “There is a solid group. I know Tuscany from the Barça academy, and I share a club with Christian Cedres at Villarreal. We are a strong block. We already saw how we could attack Palma, creating chances and earning three points. We expect to win regularly once we settle in, and I hope the contact will come soon.” The 27-year-old defender notes that there is no setback in his career after experiences in England and the Netherlands, defeating top teams in the fourth tier, including Barça, Villarreal, and Celta. “I don’t think about the level I play in; I focus on the challenge and the project’s ambition. It’s about uniting two things and giving my best to succeed.”