Special return for Luciano Gauna to Peñíscola

Barça futsal visit Peñíscola this Saturday (7.30pm) for another league match, in a special game for Luciano Gauna. After growing and establishing himself in futsal in Peñíscola, the Argentine will return for the first time to what was his home before signing for Barça. Gauna faces an emotional reunion full of memories, feelings, and a desire to see people who were key for him at his former club. 

What should we expect from Peñíscola?

On the court, they are a very strong team that always performs well on its home court, especially against the most powerful teams. Their greatest strength is competing until the very end.

Where do you think the key to the match will be?

Clearly, in matching their intensity. It will be essential to play with the same energy as them, take advantage of our chances, and score the ones we get. That’s where the difference will be.

I imagine you’re really looking forward to returning to Peñíscola. What memories do you have from your time there?

So many. I arrived at 19 years old, very young, and leaving my country wasn’t easy. The people of Peñíscola made me feel at home from day one. These are memories I hold very close.

What do you appreciate most about your time with that team?

The affection and the way I was treated. I have many friends there, and whenever I have free time, I meet up with them. Now we’re on different sides, but there’s always respect and fondness.

How would you define Peñíscola as a club?

It has gone from strength to strength and grown tremendously. It has a structure that very few clubs can offer; only Barça comes close in many aspects, and that was one of the reasons why I came here. It’s a very family-oriented club, and for me, going back there feels like going home. I’m happy to reconnect with friends and enjoy the moment.

Now, however, you’re a Barça player. How are you handling these first months as a Blaugrana?

Good, very happy. Being in Barcelona is a new experience. I came from five years with the same team, and this change is huge, but I’m thrilled to be at the best club of all.

What do you think of everything you’re seeing?

I love everything. The attention given to the players is impressive. The support we receive is essential, and it has really surprised me. Everything is designed so that you only have to focus on performing, and that’s phenomenal.

What does Javi Rodríguez ask of you in your game?

To keep doing what I’ve been doing: taking on defenders and finishing. It’s been a bit hard for me to score, but little by little I’m feeling better in front of goal. He asks me to make the most of my minutes and always give my best.

So you’re confident the goals will come?

Yes, for sure. It’s a new stage, and I’m growing. The goals will come.

Regardless of whether you score or not, what do you think you’re contributing to the project?

I think youth and grit. Running, competing, and making my teammates better.

You have a lot of talent and a lot of people speak wonders about you. But what do you think you still need to improve?

Clearly, experience. There are incredible players here, and I want to learn from them and from the coach, who had a great career. I’m lucky to have teammates who will help me grow a lot.

And now as a Barça player, what personal goal do you set for yourself?

To keep learning, make the most of my minutes, and always give my best. In the short term, the first goal has to be getting back into the Champions League. The Club deserves to return to where it should be. But overall, my dream is to win everything with Barça: the Champions League, the Spanish Cup, the Copa del Rey, the League… every possible title. And I’m sure that if people support us, we’ll always give our all. If they’re there, we’ll return that energy with joy on the court.