Rayo Vallecano striker Sergio Camello has detailed the mental shift behind his career-best scoring start in LaLiga and defined the unique essence of the Vallecas club in a candid interview. The player, with seven league goals, admits he has learned to play without pressure and reconnect with his authentic self.
Camello explained that this process began with deep conversations with those close to him, particularly his twin brother Gonzalo. "We talked and I tried to take that onto the pitch. Above all, to play without pressure. Because pressure is horrible," the forward stated. This approach has allowed him to rediscover the joy of playing. "This is a sport you chose before it was your job, because it was what made you happiest. It's about reconnecting with that child," he noted.
The striker also shared difficult past moments, like an anxiety attack he suffered after returning from the Paris Olympics, where he was a champion with Spain. "I'm Sergio Camello, a normal person from a humble team." he expressed.
Rayo's unique essence
For Camello, what makes Rayo Vallecano special is its unbreakable connection with the neighbourhood and its supporters. "Rayo is the last team left from football of another era. That's what I like about it," he asserted. He gave examples of the everyday closeness between players and fans, something he considers exceptional in modern football.
"The least important thing about football here is the football. It's what they defend every weekend, what they believe in, the connection," he explained. He mentioned teammates like Isi Palazón and Unai López, regulars in local bars, as proof of a natural coexistence. "That doesn't exist anywhere else," he stated with conviction.
The player defines his own identity through the duality between normality and competition. "I'm a normal guy who fulfilled his dream and the dream of many kids," he said. "When I put the shirt on I'm the most competitive and professional person I can be."
His form this campaign is a fundamental pillar for Rayo, who sit thirteenth in the LaLiga standings with nine points. Francisco's team is seeking stability after an irregular start, and Camello's fine form, as their top scorer, is a vital asset. Rayo Vallecano's next fixture is a home match, a scenario where the connection with the stands the striker values so highly will be evident once more. The club faces this phase of the season with the aim of consolidating a mid-table position.
