Real Betis captain Isco said he would not have believed he could return in such good condition after a lengthy spell out, following his side’s 5-2 LaLiga victory over Osasuna.
The midfielder scored twice as Betis secured three points at home and remained in the Champions League qualification places.
“I’m very happy,” Isco said. “If someone had told me at the end of last season that I’d recover this well, I wouldn’t have believed them. I’m so glad to be back on the field, helping the team, and seeing how well we’re performing now.”
Isco admitted he has not yet returned to full fitness, but said the recent break had allowed him to continue working on his condition.
“I hope so. I really hope the toughest phase is behind me,” he said when asked whether he had rediscovered his best form. “I was away from the pitch for a long time, and this break allowed me to continue training and improve my condition. I’m not yet at 100%, but I’m definitely much closer.”
Betis appeared to lose some control after Isco’s team scored their third goal, although they eventually added two more.
“The most important thing was obviously to get the three points,” Isco said. “Overall, the team played well, although we did dip in performance after scoring the third goal.”
He added: “We know very well that we cannot let this happen, especially at home. We must rectify it. The team did adjust well afterwards and scored two more goals, but at that stage of the game, we should have controlled the situation better.”
Isco received a standing ovation from approximately 65,000 supporters when he was replaced by Dani Ceballos in the 60th minute. The home fans also chanted his name.
“Honestly, I’m very fortunate because the fans always warmly welcome me onto the field and always send me off with enthusiastic applause,” he said.
“I’m incredibly proud to represent this club as a captain. I’m truly happy to be on the field and let the fans enjoy the game. I hope we can have a fantastic season.”
The 33-year-old said his finishing was improving through work on the training ground rather than luck.
“The goalkeeper did make some great saves,” Isco said. “However, I’m gradually regaining my shooting accuracy. I don’t think it’s a matter of luck, but rather of training.”
He urged Betis to concentrate on their next fixture against Porto rather than focus on ambitions of beating Barcelona or finishing in the top three.
“We must approach it with a game-by-game mentality,” he said. “We do have a very good team, but we must prove it on the field. If our performance dips even slightly, any team can get the better of us.”
Isco also praised Morante after the academy graduate scored on his debut.
“He’s a player who has come through the club’s youth academy, with great potential, a promising future, and immense talent,” Isco said. “We must help him. I believe he will also be a great help to us this season.”
He described the current squad as the most complete since he joined Real Betis, saying the club could “almost field two different lineups” with little difference between them.
“Whoever plays can contribute to the team,” he said. “I think this will be crucial this year.”
