The group of footballers, all in yellow, heads to one of the training camps at the Hotel Melia Villaitana in Benidorm.

More than twenty, all in yellow, but one stands out in the distance. The outline of a great player. Before stepping on the pitch, he recognizes us and approaches to say hello.

"How about here?" he says with a smile from ear to ear and clearly feeling good and comfortable in his second season in the Jeddah team.

"I'm fine, happy, content and looking forward to doing good things with the team. I can see that you guys are doing well," he says, laughing and recalling the successes of his former team and the Spanish national team.

He puts on his boots and starts training for an hour and a half under the Benidorm sun. After training, the appointment is repeated. This time with microphone and camera, in his reunion with the Spanish press, with MARCA as the chosen media.

Second season in Saudi Arabia, with important changes in Al Ittihad, what do you expect from this new campaign?

"It's going very, very well. We have started the preseason in the best possible way in terms of work, with new players, new coach and, of course, with other perspectives when it comes to competing. Now we are working for the season, which is what matters."

How has the team changed from last season to this one?

"There is a lot of motivation to do things well, we are building a good team, stronger every day and I feel much better."

In another league and in other circumstances, but with the idea of being champion, is that so?

"Of course. Always, always. It will not be easy because the league is complicated, every time the teams are reinforced more and better. There are very strong and very good rivals, but this season I think we can do very good things."

All those who are inside speak of a championship stronger than it is thought in Europe, do you believe that is true?

"Yes, yes, little by little, year by year more players are coming and the quality of football is going up a little bit more and all this makes the Saudi Pro League an interesting, stronger and higher level championship."

What are your expectations this season at Al Ittihad?

"I think bigger and better than last year. Things didn't work out. We have much better football, to be able to play well and to be able to win the league, which is the most important trophy for the club, the supporters. They want to win it, as we do. And I'm here, with my team, to win it, everyone should be clear about that."

Do you feel important here? I say that because everyone talks about you being the reference point of the team.

"Yes, yes, of course I know what I have to do. That's why I'm preparing well, to be fit and to be able to help my teammates and hopefully win trophies this season. That is my goal and that of all my teammates."

Real Madrid won everything last season, what did you think? Do you look back with nostalgia?

"Yes, a spectacular season, very good. Real Madrid is always the best team in the world. Players pass, others come and go, but Real Madrid will always be at the top. It is the best and will continue to prove it."

What did you think when you saw the Champions League final at Wembley?

"Joy. A lot of joy. It's my team and I will always be by the side of Real Madrid and my teammates. Real Madrid is Real Madrid, something unique.'

Have you come to regret your departure?

"Some arrive and others leave. That's how it is and it will always be. It was the right time. Of course, I look back and feel happy. Today I don't see any other team that can be better than Real Madrid."

Do you see any team on the horizon capable of threatening Real Madrid's dominance?

"It's the best team in the world. They are always strong and fighting for everything. I stop, I look and I don't see any team capable of being better."

It was hard for you, but in the end the recognition came in the form of the Ballon d'Or, who do you see as the favorite to win the next one?

"Ballon d'Or? I am going to say Vini [Jr] because he deserves it for his season and not only for what he has done this year, but also for what he has done in the previous year. He is a kid, but a complete footballer."

What is Vinicius Jr's main ability?

"He can win a game by himself, of course with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when Real Madrid needs him and that's why I think he deserves it. He is always there and he always shows up. For all that, my favorite is Vini."

After a season with no number nine for Real Madrid, now it has an owner in Kylian Mbappe

"Sooner or later he will play for Real Madrid. I've always thought that and that's how it has been. He is a great player."