LEGEND SPORTSMEN LIFESTORIES MARC BARTRA

LIFE STORY

Marc Bartra was born in Sant Jaume dels Domenys, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain the 15th January Marc Bartra was born in Sant Jaume dels Domenys, Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain the 15th January He’s a spanish football player in F.C. Barcelona. He’s a spanish football player in F.C. Barcelona. His position is central defense. His position is central defense. He took his Primary Education in our school, “Els Quatre Vents”. He took his Primary Education in our school, “Els Quatre Vents”.

He was signed by Espanyol, another football club in Barcelona, in He was signed by Espanyol, another football club in Barcelona, in When he was 11 years old, he started training in “La Masia”, the F.C. Barcelona school. When he was 11 years old, he started training in “La Masia”, the F.C. Barcelona school. In February 2010, Pep Guardiola make him début in first division, playing against Atlético de Madrid, another spanish football team. In February 2010, Pep Guardiola make him début in first division, playing against Atlético de Madrid, another spanish football team.

In the season, he scored his first goal with “Barça”, playing against Málaga CF. In the season, he scored his first goal with “Barça”, playing against Málaga CF. He played his first european match on the 23th October He played his first european match on the 23th October In November 2012, Marc was awarded as the best defense in second division in the season. In November 2012, Marc was awarded as the best defense in second division in the season.

The 18th March 2014 he renews his contract with F.C Barcelona until June The 18th March 2014 he renews his contract with F.C Barcelona until June 2017.

INTERVIEW

Why did you decide you wanted to play football? I had always seen my father playing this sport. And once I started playing in the school playground with my classmates and friends, I realized that football was my favourite sport. I had always seen my father playing this sport. And once I started playing in the school playground with my classmates and friends, I realized that football was my favourite sport.

How did you join F.C Barcelona? I started playing in Vendrell for 2 years. Then, I signed for “Espanyol”, after going through some tests. My parents were a little bit afraid because of my studies, but I made a decision because I had always dreamt to play football professionally. I started playing in Vendrell for 2 years. Then, I signed for “Espanyol”, after going through some tests. My parents were a little bit afraid because of my studies, but I made a decision because I had always dreamt to play football professionally. One day, we played against Barça, they were interested in me and they ask me to join them. One day, we played against Barça, they were interested in me and they ask me to join them.

How old were you when you start living in “ La Masia” of F.C Barcelona? I was 17 years old. It couldn’t be before because I could go and come back everyday because it was only one hour by car. But in High School I started living there. I was 17 years old. It couldn’t be before because I could go and come back everyday because it was only one hour by car. But in High School I started living there.

How did you combine your training with the school homework and exams? It was really complicated. I had to go to Barcelona a lot of times and then I had to go back to Sant Jaume. Nevertheless, I always tried to do my homework, even if it was late. I preferred to do them late than never.

What do you feel when you think “I’m a Barça football player”? I really appreciate it. It was my dream since I was very young, I thought it was impossible. But when you work and you make an effort you can reach your goals. You have also to take into account what the people who loves you say. Remember! The most important thing is work and effortt.

How do you feel when you realize you are famous and everybody is talking about you? It has been really ongoing and I have been able to assimilate it naturally. But, it’s true that there are some things that I used to do without problems and that now I’m not able to, such as going to my village celebrations. So, being famous has advantages and disadvantages.

Who is the Barça football player with whom you have a better relationship? The great majority, because almost the 80% has gone through the same process I have. I have a better relationship with Sergi Roberto, Jordi Alba…With Piqué and Busquets too. All of them have helped me a lot.

How much do you earn? Playing football you earn a lot of money, but it’s important to study too, because football can finish and you should have another way to make your living.

How did you feel when Tito Vilanova died? We were all really sad, because since I joined Barça he was there. He has been really close to us, he has given us lots of advices, so it has been really hard. Evenmore, in a very important moment of the season.

Who is your favourite football coach? Guardiola, because he is really good at his job and he really knows how to connect with the players. Luis Enrique too.

How many players are there now in Barça? Twenty-five in team, but the calls are for eighteen.

What do you think about the moment in which Gareth Bale passed you? Sometimes you have to accept that there are some players who are faster than you. It was at the last minutes of the match and I was really tired. He is a really good football player.

Are you going to play with the national team? I made my début. Nevertheless I can’t participate in the World Cup because I’m too young. But, it’s one of my aims.

Why Èric Bartra, your brother, is not playing in Barça too? It’s really complicated. He’s really good at playing football, but you must also be lucky. You must be really prepared, and injuries are not good at this situations.

Were you at ease in “Els Quatre Vents” school? Yes, a lot. I remember that the atmosphere was really good.

And what do you remember the most of school? The manager Sagrari’s scolds…no, it’s a joke. When I was learning Science with Anna and History with Sagrari.

“You must play with sportsmanship and pay attention to what the adults tell you”. Marc Bartra