Baena: I will give the Ballon d Or to Pedri. It is difficult to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid, but Atletico Madrid wants to win the championship.

In an interview, Atletico Madrid and Spanish national team midfielder Baena admitted that he had thought about giving up football before the 2024 European Cup, and talked about coach Simeone, the team's goals and his appreciation for Pedri.

Have you gone through a difficult period before the 2024 European Cup, and have you even thought about retiring?

After losing the U21 final and being selected for the adult national team for the first time, I personally went through a bad period. I even had the idea of ​​giving up football and everything. But thanks to the psychiatrist I've been working with for a long time, and my family, my mother, and my brothers, I was able to let go of those thoughts and that terrible time. We walked out together.

People only see the good side, like being recognized on the street, they think it's a positive even though it's not; and the money side, you're living a good life...but they don't know the bad side behind it. You have to be alert 24 hours a day, take care of yourself, run around without seeing your family, and not be able to do what your friends do because you have to watch your diet and rest. People only see the bright side, but football is very tough. Only those around you know. Of course, we are a privileged group, and we have both bad and good sides.

Talk about your experience of working with Simeone at Atletico Madrid?

I feel very comfortable here. People talk without knowing anything about the inside of the dressing room and Simeone himself, taking a lot of things for granted when the reality is completely different. He talks to me and gives you a lot of intensity, his delivery is top notch and makes you want to conquer the world when you get on the field. He is one of the best coaches in the world, but people often believe the untrue nonsense that appears in the media. If they could stay in the dressing room, they could talk about what kind of person Simeone is.

What is the goal of Atletico Madrid's locker room? Will you be satisfied with third place?

The atmosphere in the locker room is top-notch, and I'm playing alongside two of the best players in the world, Griezmann and Alvarez. I didn't hear anyone in the dressing room say we wanted to finish third. On the contrary, we always send the message that we want to win titles and have to fight for titles, even though it will be very difficult to compete with Barcelona and Real Madrid later.

Do you have a high opinion of Pedri?

He is the best in the world at his position and one of the best players in the world. I've been obsessed with him since I started playing with him in the U19s and I will always be part of 'Team Pedri'. People talk about whether Yamal or Dembele should win the Ballon d'Or, but I will give the Ballon d'Or to Pedri because it is very difficult to be the commander of Barcelona and the Spanish national team.