Salvador Hidalgo on The Ace Space Podcast
Quotes
A man of the world, Salvador Hidalgo has played the sport he loves all over the globe but is now settled in Europe, and more specifically Istanbul. Maverick and powerhouse in equal measure, Fenerbahçe's star outside hitter joined Dave and Ci on The Ace Space Podcast to talk about anything and everything, whilst also answering some questions from fans. Here are some of his top quotes from the conversation.
On playing for Fenerbahçe"I am a very ambitious person and when I feel good I want to keep it like that as long as possible. I feel really good here in Turkey. In the past two seasons we only lost 2 matches in the league. I feel a lot of energy and enthusiasm and this is important in professional sport."
On not playing National Team Volleyball“I’ve been keeping strong and working mentally. I do not play in the National Team and when you don’t you naturally have the longer life – longer battery for the future. It is a minus on my career but the plus is how long I can play for clubs.”
On who he looks up to"I admire two sportsmen in the world, one is Cristiano Ronaldo and the other is LeBron James. I see myself in their attitude, in the fact that in my private life I do what I like but when in sports then I am going 100% with you. I am going to die with you, maybe I am going to fight with you! What happens in practise stays in practice."
On Champions League this season"Champions League is very important for Fenerbahçe as they have had a hard time in the last few years. Lucky for us we won the first game 3-2 but were a little bit disappointed. I played for 2 seasons in Poland so know how good Zaksa are. It was a nice game and we learned from them, how they played and stuff, I think we did it pretty good but we could do better. For the 2nd tournaments we know more and can prepare better."
On age being just a number“I was telling one of my friends here, listen I just turned 35 but I feel 27 as I have so much energy. I feel unstoppable and was telling him that this year is my year. For me it is very important to work with people who believe in your work – and they are usually those that are close to you as they see how much time and energy you spend on that.”
“I have to say I love Philipp Plein he is a new talent and a great talent. He has great clothes, shoes and glasses. I am a big shoes fan, fashion is like my second life.”
On fashion being something he really cares about
On his social media followers“I am a player who says my private life is very different to my professional life. But when I am in my professional life I am in it 100%. Part of what I do is not just for me but for my family but also for my fans. The people who follow me and spend time to give me a Like or a comment, it means so much. I am very grateful for that.”