Carlos Marchena says he is enjoying life again after being released from his contract with Levante at the end of last season.
The 33-year-old former Spanish international was picked up by newly-promoted Deportivo de La Coruna last week and revealed he has rediscovered his enthusiasm for the game, something he claims to have lost.
“I feel great and am enjoying things again – the training, football and being with my teammates,” he told a Press conference.
“I am still in the process of adapting but I am getting used to how things work with the Coach and his ideas.”
Marchena, whose uncompromising style has earned him a reputation as something of a hard man over the years, was greeted by fans on his debut in a friendly with Atletico Madrid with cries of ‘saca el machete, Marchena saca el machete’ – ‘get the axe out Marchena’ – a song the Riazor faithful had dedicated to Martin Lasarte more than 20 years ago.
“I was a little surprised when I heard them shouting it, but then it was explained to me and I’m thankful the fans gave me such a warm reception,” admitted Marchena.
However, he was at pains to point out that he did not want to be compared to anybody else ‘because everybody is unique’.
