Isco, the captain of Real Betis, attended a press conference ahead of the first leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinal against Fiorentina at the Benito Villamarín Stadium alongside Manuel Pellegrini.

The Malaga-born star spoke enthusiastically about competing for a title with Betis, the club where he rediscovered his love for football and regained his best form. Despite winning five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, he called Betis the most important club in his career and labeled tomorrow’s match as the most significant in his entire football journey.

Isco on tomorrow’s match: “It will be a very close duel over 180 minutes. We must fight with maximum ambition and character from the first minute to win both games. In these stages, small details are decisive. We must stay focused, minimize mistakes, because a red card or a set-piece can change everything. Tomorrow, with 60,000 fans giving their all for us, is a big day. Their passion is our strength.”

He had no special advice for his teammates: “No need for advice. We’ve shown our capability. The team is ready with the right mindset and ambition to succeed. Despite injuries and tough moments, we’ve bounced back. The first step to victory is belief, and I see a team that believes.”

Isco added that Betis has performed well in La Liga and the Conference League and is fighting for a Champions League spot and European success.

Isco downplayed his past European experience: “Past matches don’t matter. Tomorrow’s game is the most important of my career. I hope to help the team get a good result at Villamarín.”

On his revival at Betis: “Since joining Betis, I’ve been very happy. I had tough moments, but you have to get up and keep going. Now I’m in one of the best phases of my career. I wish I had come to Betis sooner.”

Isco praised the team’s unity: “We have a mix of experienced players like Adrián, Fornals, Luiz Henrique, and Bartra, and ambitious youngsters like Cardoso and Jesús Rodríguez.”

Isco called Betis the most important club of his career: “Yes, without a doubt. I’ve played for four clubs, three of which were very important. First, my professional career started at Málaga. At Valencia, I had a great learning experience, and I’m grateful. At Real Madrid, I achieved titles every child dreams of. At Sevilla, things didn’t go well, and now at Betis, I’m experiencing a second youth. I’m very grateful and wish I had come to this incredible club two years earlier to enjoy more time with its amazing fans. I hope to have four or five great years, achieve big successes, and continue growing with the club. Tomorrow’s match is the most important of my career.”