EXCLUSIVE: Senna expects an 'entertaining' World Cup with Spain favourites

The Brazil-born player takes a detailed look back at his impressive career in a relaxed conversation that covers his beginnings at the top level, his past in LaLiga with a Villarreal side that made history, the main rivals he sees for the European champions ahead of the World Cup, and many other topics.

Marcos, let's start with Corinthians. How important was that period for you as a young footballer? You were part of a club that won the Brasileirao in '99 and the Club World Cup in 2000. How much did that environment shape your mentality for the rest of your career?

"And you forgot about winning a Paulista too. Well, Corinthians was very important for me. I think it was a dream coming true in my life.

"Obviously, when a player starts his professional career, he dreams of reaching a big club. And Corinthians was the first big club I played for. For me, it was a dream at the time; things happened just as I had dreamed when I was a kid.

"I won the Brasileirao as soon as I arrived, the Club World Cup, played a Copa do Brasil final, which we lost at Morumbi and it was very tough for us; and finally, I also won a Paulista.

"I missed out on a Copa Libertadores with Corinthians, but I felt that during that period I had taken a very important step in my career and I was very happy. For me, Corinthians is forever in my heart."

What do you remember most about the Corinthians dressing room culture at that time? It was a place where you had to mature quickly to survive and earn respect.

"It was a dressing room with a lot of leadership, many people with a lot of experience, many years in football, and captains like Freddy Rincon.

"There were Vampeta, Marcelinho, Dida, Luisao, Edilson... and I, as a young newcomer, just wanted to learn from them. In fact, I learned a lot from that team and that moment. There were a lot of big personalities together. 

"Obviously, it has its downside when you lose, but fortunately, I found a dressing room where we were winning and where the big names taught us younger players. Honestly, those were two very good and beautiful years, and I will always treasure them."

Becoming a Villarreal legend

When you left Brazil to join Villarreal in 2002, did you see it as a risky move, or did you already feel it could be the step that would change your life?

"I dreamed of making the move to Europe. Obviously, before reaching the professional level, when I was playing in the youth categories in Brazil, my dream was to become a professional. I think nowadays kids dream of making it to professional football and, right away, coming to Europe.

"I wanted to get there and stay there. But then came a time when I saw a generation of players starting to come to Europe. In every way, it was expected - sporting, professional, and financial. We wanted to do well at our club and come to Europe. It was no different for me.

"The move to Villarreal, obviously, wasn't the dream at that time because Villarreal wasn't a big name, but I wanted to come. And especially to Spain. With Corinthians, I went to Coruna for a summer tournament, the Teresa Herrera. Boca was there too, and there were Superdepor and Celta.

"It was summer, with the beach. And I loved it because at that time I was already following LaLiga. I thought: 'Wow! If I already wanted to come, now even more.' It's true that as a kid I followed the Italian league a lot, but the Spanish league started to grow and overtook the Italian one. My dream was to come here, and it came true."

You stayed 11 seasons at Villarreal and became one of the club's symbols to this day. What made that bond between you and the club so strong?

"Well, that wasn't expected either, because as I said, Villarreal was a team that wasn't well known and was still growing. And even in that, I can say I was lucky, because I was part of that growth.

"The idea was to come to Villarreal, have a couple of good seasons, one or two, and then make another jump to another European club. But it didn't turn out that way. Villarreal kept growing. I identified more and more with the club and the city as I adapted to the food and the climate.

"It was very similar to my home country. And I felt very important at the club, and the club also made me feel important. They always valued me a lot in every way. And when you feel comfortable... It's very easy to do what you do best, play well, with your family happy.

"So, everything came together and I stayed at Villarreal for 11 years. Now, as director of institutional relations, I've already been here 10 years."

When did you start to feel that you were building something special?

"From 2004 onwards, because that's when a coach named Manuel Pellegrini arrived, a Chilean, who brought a different methodology. He gave us a lot of confidence because for two or three years we had a survival mentality, always thinking 'let's get to a certain number of points and we're safe from relegation. Then, let's think about next year.'

"But when Pellegrini arrived, obviously, the squad was strengthened, but in the first year, we already managed to reach the Champions League. It was a fantastic season. His motto was: 'Let's play and compete, of course, but let's enjoy ourselves.'

"Everyone thought Villarreal wouldn't even qualify. We finished top of our group, with Manchester United in it, and reached the semi-finals. From there, the mentality changed; that's when we thought we should aim higher. And Villarreal started to make a name for itself in the world; it was no longer a promise, but a reality.

"Today we still keep our feet on the ground because we know we're a city of 50,000 inhabitants, but with very clear ideas, respecting everyone's history. But ours is: first, let's get the points we need to secure our place in the top division.

"In fact, at the club we have a toast when we secure safety and then, with what's left, we go for European competitions. We've been doing this for many years now and I think it's a club that has very clear ideas, and I like that. We're comfortable, it's a family."

From that season when you reached the Champions League semi-finals, what stands out most for you and what fond memories do you have?

"I can't single out just one thing because, in the end, every match left its mark on me. The cold you feel, and at the same time, the anxiety of being able to step onto the pitch and show people that we're unknown and small, but watch out, we're a good team.

"And, besides, we were winning matches and drawing, and if we lost, it was 1-0 and with a struggle. I don't remember the results from that time, but I remember we finished top of the group.

"I fondly remember that we got our first win against Benfica with a goal from me, the first in the Champions League, and with a win. In our first Champions League, to score an important goal and win 1-0 in Lisbon, that's something for the history books."

Marcos, over time, you became captain of Villarreal. What did it mean for you to wear the armband as a player who came from Brazil and became a club legend?

"That's very interesting, because I consider myself to have always been a leader on the pitch, not a vocal leader. In Spain, the player who's been at the club the longest is the captain. And I remember that in 2006 I became the longest-serving player.

"I felt a bit strange with the armband, but at the same time happy because I was captain. I didn't know how to handle it. But, well, there wasn't much to say about it.

"Obviously, as I said, I tried to lead on the pitch, playing well and setting a good example off the pitch. And that's how I gradually got used to it, and before I knew it, I was talking a bit, motivating my teammates, communicating... and I think I learned that side of leadership by being captain at Villarreal. I was captain for six years."

From LaLiga to MLS

After such a long and beautiful spell in Spain, you finished your career in the United States. Was that special for you?

"Well, I also had another goal, which was to have an experience outside Villarreal to end my career on a high note. And it was in the United States, because I also didn't know it. I wanted to have that experience, and also in New York.

"I spent two years there, an incredible experience for my kids and my wife. I think in football, I couldn't have asked for more than what I received. Obviously, when you work and sow, in the end you reap.

That's how my career was, and I feel more than privileged. If you ask me: 'What was missing in your career?' Maybe at the time, something I'll reveal here, playing for Milan. Why? Because it was the team in fashion and all that.

"But beyond that, everything I dreamed of as a child has happened. Playing in the Copa Libertadores, playing a Copa Libertadores final, a Champions League semi-final, World Cup, Euro... What more could I ask for? Nothing."

Speaking a bit about the present, I wanted your opinion on Villarreal's mixed season, which didn't go well in the Champions League, unlike in LaLiga. Do you think the team is close to establishing itself in the Champions League?

"All of us who are Villarreal fans have mixed feelings, that we have a very good squad to do well in all competitions. Whether we win or reach the objective is another story.

"But it's true that, on one hand, we were left with a bad taste in our mouths with the Copa del Rey and especially with the Champions League, because we had the worst campaign in Villarreal's history in the Champions League.

"And yet, in LaLiga we're very happy because the team finished ahead of Atletico de Madrid, which has many more resources and a bigger budget. Obviously, Atletico played a Copa final and went far in the Champions League. That's a big achievement as a team.

"And for us, it's the same, because in LaLiga we know how hard it is to compete with Atletico, Betis, Real Sociedad, Athletic... These teams, nowadays, are our league rivals. We can be proud that we'll be in the Champions League next year."

From the current squad, which player excites you the most?

"Let's say there's no standout figure; it's a collective. Normally, there's a player who stands out above the rest, but not this year. I like that. I could name four or five players. I like, for example, an Argentine who's injured, Juan Foyth, who gives us a lot when he's fully fit.

"Our veteran, Gerard Moreno, always brings something different: the final pass, bringing down the ball in tough situations, decisive goals in difficult moments... and I could name the wingers, who give us a lot, or the midfielders. In short, it's the collective."

Marcos, you wrote a beautiful story with Spain, but you were born in Brazil. How much did that journey move you on a personal level, going from an outsider to a key figure in the history of the Spanish national team?

"Speaking selfishly, I feel a lot of pride for the tough times I went through in my life, in the sense that I never gave up even though I went through very difficult moments. I could write a book, in fact, I'm finishing one right now; I'll tell you about it (laughs).

"I came out of the favelas in Brazil and ended up winning a European Championship with a country that wasn't my country of birth. When that happened, a movie played in my head. And a voice in my head said: 'Marcos, all this is the result of your hard work.

"So, enjoy this moment. You've reached the top and you deserve it.' But obviously, it's about carrying on as always, even now, keeping my feet on the ground, always respecting the opponent and others."

European champion with La Roja

You were part of the national team in 2006, when you played in the World Cup, and two years later you won the Euros. The team seemed completely different. What changed most between 2006 and 2008? Was it confidence, maturity, or mentality with Aragones?

"Well, I don't think it was confidence, I think it was more the system, because in 2006 I remember a team that also had very good players and a lot of personality. They played matches, especially in the group stage, where it seemed like we would go far and in the end we fell, like against France in 2006.

"Then, in 2007, we went through a very tough stage: the qualifying phase, where we managed to qualify in the 90th minute. But the change of system in 2008 worked.

"Football, as I always say, is about dynamics. And if you get a good generation of great players and a good dynamic, it's hard not to win. And that's what happened in 2008. We hit a very good dynamic, with very good players, and managed to win the Euros."

Later, you were included among the best players of EURO 2008. Looking back, do you see that tournament as the peak of your career? Not just because Spain won, but for your role in bringing balance to the midfield.

"I think so, in terms of media attention, yes, but also because of the difficulty and playing against the best. So, the level of difficulty is much higher. And if you think about the mastery with which Spain played... Obviously, later it was called the 'tiki-taka' Spain, which was a joy to watch.

"Wherever I go here in Spain, people still recognise me. Many say I was the best player of the Euros, and I just feel grateful. That's why I consider it, overall, the most important title of my career."

What similarities and differences do you see between the current national team and the one that won in 2008?

"I think they're very similar. The only difference is that it's 2026, but there's a very good generation of players. I think this year they're coming in as favourites. Obviously, a World Cup is a big deal, but it's inevitable, right? It's 28 games unbeaten, but now comes the moment of truth.

"To win a tournament like the World Cup, which unfortunately I didn't win although I came close, or a tournament like the Euros that we won, you have to be there and have a lot of luck that key players don't get injured and arrive in good shape.

"You have to focus on the details to win, because the best are there and they prepare at the highest level, and Spain is there in terms of player generation. From there, I think they can go very far and even win."

Do you think it's time for Spain to have a good World Cup after three editions where they couldn't perform as well? Especially after being European champions.

"Yes, because Spain set the bar very high. 2008, 2010, 2012... it was the team of the moment. So, that marks an era. In competitions like the Euros or the World Cup, everyone looks at the winners, and Spain is among them.

"People expect this year could be the year for another World Cup because we have a very good team. Hopefully Spain can reach the level all the fans are hoping for."

Who do you think are Spain's main rivals for the title?

"I usually say the traditional ones. They'll always be there. Sometimes there's a surprise, which can happen too. This year it's a World Cup with more teams. But I think France is coming in very strong, really.

"After that, Brazil and Argentina will always be there because they're strong and have very good players. Argentina comes in as the reigning champions. They still have Messi.

"I also see England, who in recent years, both in the Euros and the World Cup, have been pushing hard too. And then, as I said, there could be a surprise, maybe Croatia again, Belgium, the Netherlands... and I haven't mentioned Germany.

"Italy isn't there, but anyway, I think it's going to be an entertaining World Cup, as we expect, and may Spain or Brazil win."

In your time, there was a lot of talent in midfield. Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Busquets, Javi Martinez... Now, Spain has Rodri, Zubimendi, Merino, Pedri, Fabian... Which team is better?

"Wow, it's very hard to say. I think the level of the old team and the current one is very high and very even, but obviously you have to win. I think you can be a great player, but if you're not a winner, in the end you don't sit at the table with the others.

"That's how I see it. I think this team has as much talent as the previous ones, but to sit at our table, they have to win."

Which player from the current Spanish national team do you identify with the most?

"I have a friend who is the agent for Pedri and Ferran, and whenever I go to watch a match, I usually see both and chat with them. They're the ones I identify with the most, especially Ferran, who's my neighbour."

In Luis de la Fuente's squad there are some players who came through Villarreal, like Rodri, Baena or Yeremy. What does that mean to you?

"For me and for all Villarreal fans, it's a source of pride, because competing with the big clubs is tough for us, and seeing that a number of players are key members of the Spanish national team, that's something to be proud of."