Carlos Ortiz: The one that will remain a reference for Spanish Futsal
If you are known as “The Spartan” there is something in your character that must differentiate you from others around you. It takes much more than being a great Futsal player to carry a nickname that means so much.
The sheer professionalism, commitment and dedication the Madrileño has demonstrated, has evidently set the standards for wearing La Roja’s armband. He is an example and will remain a reference for Spanish Futsal.
One last time
Prior to the start of the 2022 UEFA Euro tournament, Ortiz had announced that it was going to be his last “bull run”. Hearing his national anthem being played for the last time in the third-place play-offs brought back all the fantastic memories back to the forefront of his mind.
Felipe Lima from the Sports Gazette spoke to Carlos Ortiz about his successful career and what life has in store for him from now on.
https://twitter.com/UEFAFutsal/status/1484960052758859778
“I have been lucky enough to live many experiences thanks to the national team. The day to day, the big competitions, my teammates. There are so many things I will miss. So many things.”
“In the Spanish team, we have it very clear between us, together we are always stronger. This will never be lost for me.”
Ortiz’s last ever match for Spain ended in a convincing 4-1 win against Ukraine, following a heartbreaking loss against a dominant Portuguese side in the semi-finals stage.
Spain only came behind Russia and Portugal – so close, yet, a great distance from the main objective – to win the title. This is the first time in the history of the tournament that the Spanish haven’t won the title in two consecutive editions.
“I believe we had a great European campaign, but in a tournament like that, if you have one bad day, like we had against Portugal, you are out”.
“We beat very good teams, but the Portugal team was better than us in the semi-finals and when that happens, you can’t win the title”.
Back to the drawing board
Ortiz is aware that it is necessary to be self-critical, it isn’t a coincidence to lose to Portugal three times. Spain will have to work really hard to get back to winnings ways and for Ortiz, he will have to watch this happen from the side without being able to take matters into his own hands.
https://twitter.com/ortiz23futsal/status/1491080282392657920
The hangover from the tournament is fading away as players return to their clubs but with that, there has been plenty of time to reflect.
“We wanted to win this tournament and that objective wasn’t accomplished. Every day, it becomes harder and harder to win, therefore we need to accept it, go back and work even more on it.
“Spain will be champions again; I am sure of it. It is only a matter of time before the daily work becomes fruitful again”.
Ortiz bows out a legend of the National Team, boasting an extensive list of honours. Having played 215 matches for Spain, the most in the history of the Spanish Futsal team, he sits ahead of legends like Kike and Luis Amado.
In his first international tournament for Spain, he came away with the title in 2007 at the age of 23. Now at 38, he has played in eight European tournaments and won four. He also has two second place finishes in four World Cup participations.
https://twitter.com/SeFutbol/status/1485974003793768451
A new chapter
Ortiz’s memories from Futsal will be mostly good, positive and victorious. He can count on one hand how many have been negative. This has got to be one of the best ways to retire and with those honours he can inspire a new Spanish generation.
“I think there is a great generation of Spanish Futsal players coming through but they need more time to gain experience on the international stage”.
“We all have seen the players who have played in this tournament, but there are more that didn’t come so now their moment begins”.
Ortiz will be doing all he can to pass on his experience. When asked what was the next step is for him, he insisted that there is still plenty left in the tank.
“For now, I plan to carry on enjoying playing for Barcelona and try to win titles with them. But after that, not even I know”.
Carlos Ortiz, on behalf of all Futsal enthusiasts, Spaniards or not. There will only be one Spartan. Gracias
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