Iván Forte has been tied to Eldense Sports Club from a very young age, growing up surrounded by the team colors that have colored his life and the lives of his family. His long-standing connection to the club is a testament to a deep, personal bond with Eldense that shaped his journey as a player and as a member of the community.
How is the promotion to the Second Division progressing?
For Forte, the promotion feels like a dream realized. Returning to the club that defined his career was a poignant moment, one he describes as coming back to the team of his life to witness a bold, forward-looking project unfold. He joined because the president, Pascual Pérez, was guiding a plan that aimed to push the club three steps ahead, even if the path required patience and gradual progress. The journey has been lengthy, but the hard work is paying off, and Forte admits he is still savoring the moment while acknowledging the milestones already achieved. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]
Leaving the hometown team he grew up with was undoubtedly challenging. How did he experience that period?
Forte explains that he left during his last year as a cadet in pursuit of earning a living from football. He recognized that advancing at Eldense would be difficult at that stage and chose to test himself in broader competitive environments. His experience at La Nucía provided valuable growth, but when Deportivo called, he felt the moment was right to return. He could sense that this move would align with his ambitions, and history later proved him correct. The decision was rooted in seeking opportunity while staying true to his love for the game and the drive to compete at a high level. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]
The season stood out because Forte didn’t log as many minutes on the field as in previous campaigns. How did he handle this shift?
Adapting to a different role proved challenging. He had been a regular presence on the pitch in prior teams and felt the responsibility of contributing as a veteran presence. This year became a learning curve, during which he aimed to share his experience and composure with teammates. He sought to calm the group before big matches and to lend leadership that could steady nerves. Forte believes a captain’s value lies in listening and guiding, not just playing. His message to the squad centered on using seniority to support peers and maintaining belief in their collective capacity. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]
What did Forte convey to his teammates in the crucial playoff game as captain?
He notes that leadership isn’t only about what’s said pregame. There was a subtle, pre-existing plan—a shared understanding built over days of preparation. He reminded the team that the game could be life-changing for them and their families, a notion that heightened the stakes and sharpened focus. As the meeting approached, nerves rose, but Forte emphasized peace and security within the group. He believed that hearing confidence from a seasoned player could lift everyone, and that belief was met with a powerful, emotional response from his teammates. Tears of joy reflected the relief and pride felt that day, and Forte carried that momentum forward. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]
Looking at the key to their success, what does Forte identify as the turning point?
He highlights the locker room culture as the cornerstone. Across diverse teams, he has seen frictions flare up, yet Eldense’s environment has remained uniquely positive. The players arrive with smiles, support, and a willingness to work together. There is an absence of ego confrontation, replaced by a shared commitment to push in the same direction toward a common goal announced at the season’s start. This culture, more than tactics alone, has driven on-field performance and unity, allowing everyone to accept their roles—even when those roles required sacrifice. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]
Is there a plan for Forte with Eldense beyond the current season?
Future plans remain open. Forte describes himself as someone who thrives on new challenges and remains deeply connected to football and the ball. At 34, he feels strong and ready to adapt, whether the path continues with Eldense or leads to fresh opportunities. Whatever happens, he expresses a strong commitment to Eldense, resonating with the supporters in the stands who share his pride for the shield. His ethos is simple: give everything on the field to make the team and its fans happy, and stay true to the club that has been his lifelong home. [Source: Interview with Iván Forte]