Ahead of Everton’s midweek trip to Watford Salomon Rondon sat down to discuss a range topics, including an honest assessment on the start to his Blues career, being a role model for a generation of young footballers in Venezuela and the key ingredient needed in the four remaining games of the 2021/22 season…
Q: Salomon, let’s start with the Leicester City game - a big performance and a big result. How do you reflect on it?
SR: First of all, we want to say a massive thanks to the supporters, because they were amazing. In terms of the game itself, it was a difficult moment for us because we'd gone a long time without winning away from home. The victory meant a lot because the relegation battle is difficult and so intense. We won two games in a row and that's big but we have to carry on - that's the important thing now. We know that, it is the focus of the dressing room and I'm sure the fans will also make sure we keep pushing forward.
Q: We were five points adrift of safety a week ago, we now sit one point above the relegation zone with a game in hand. Things can change quickly in football…
SR: Absolutely - but nothing is done. We will carry on. Everything can change quickly in football and that can go for and against you. We are feeling really good at the moment. It's been a difficult season for us, but we're all very determined to finish it well.
Q: How quickly did attentions turn to Watford after that win over Leicester?
SR: We turned the page on the Leicester game quickly. The victory is for the supporters and for the Everton family. Now, we're fully focused on Watford. We know they have been relegated but, like every game in the Premier League, they will pose a big challenge. We will go there and try to take three points. It's a huge game for us.
Q: You made your Premier League debut at Vicarage Road back in 2015. Do you have fond memories?
SR: Yes, my first Premier League match was for West Brom at Watford. It was seven years ago now - it’s not a long time ago but it is a long time in football terms. It was a special moment for me because for a Venezuelan kid, it is a dream to play in the best leagues in the world - England or Spain. I was always focused on playing in England, so it was a dream come true.
Q: You’ve experienced a lot in your career so far. How do you reflect on your journey up to this point?
SR: I have so many memories. I come from Venezuela and my country not known for producing so many footballers - maybe in baseball or basketball but not football. But it was always my dream. It's massive for me. I have played in many leagues for many teams and I try to enjoy every minute. I love the game and I want to keep going for as long as possible.
Q: You must be a big role model for kids in Venezuela with a similar dream of playing football at the top level?
SR: Yes. My country's first game is baseball - we have many players playing in Major League Baseball in the USA. They are the best, at the top of the game. We also have many players playing in the NBA. But with football, it's not the best. Nowadays you see lads playing football in the streets in Venezuela but 15-20 years ago that wouldn't have happened. More and more players now are making it from Venezuela - in Europe, in South America and in the MLS. Venezuela is growing but I'm still the only player from my country in the Premier League. That's massive for my country, for me, for my family. It's nice to be a role model for the youngsters. I always tell them, 'Keep dreaming'.
Q: How do you assess your season so far? You came in and had to hit the ground running with various injuries to strikers?
SR: You have to be honest and the beginning of my season wasn't good enough, but Dominic, Richarlison and Cenk had some injuries so I was in the team. My pre-season wasn't good enough to be at my top level, but it was a difficult time. I was waiting to see what would happen with my former club in China, waiting to see if I could go there or not. But when I received the call from Everton, I was desperate to come because I wanted to compete, I love this league and it's a great club. I tried to do my best at the beginning but now I feel really, really good. In every training session and every time I step on to the pitch, I give my best and do everything I can to help the team. If I get 20 minutes on the pitch, I can help the team... If I get five minutes, I can still help the team. This is what I want to do.
Q: What do you think will be key for us to achieve our objectives in the remaining games of the season?
SR: The key is resilience. We have lost too many games this season but we keep going forward and we've kept that feeling in the group. The wins give you much more confidence and we need to keep this momentum going now in the four remaining games. But we have to remember - this is the Premier League and nothing comes easy. Let's be ready for the fight.
Q: How have you found the support from Evertonians during your time here, particularly in the past two games against Chelsea and Leicester?
SR: Massive. Absolutely massive. You saw the scenes when we arrived on the coach at Goodison for the Chelsea game... I don't have any words to describe what they did for us. It was just amazing. Amazing. We appreciate it so much. Of course, they want the results and they want Everton fighting further up the table, but they've been behind us all of the way. We will keep fighting, giving our all for them.
Q: And finally, what are you expecting from Watford on Wednesday night?
SR: As we said, football can change so quickly. They might not be in the best form but they will fight, we're 100 per cent sure of that. They will want to win for their own pride and to give their supporters something back. But, of course, we're going there trying to win the game. A victory would be massive. We want to open up a gap between ourselves and the other teams.
