From Sunny Spain To Saffron Lane: Iborra Speaks To LCFC Magazine
Appearing relaxed and ready to sit down for an extensive chat with LCFC Magazine, City midfielder Iborra can’t help but look around, intrigued by his surroundings.
Having moved to the East Midlands from the stunning Spanish city of Seville, the 29-year-old has experienced a host of new sights and sounds upon his arrival in one of the country’s most multicultural cities.
However, sat in the popular Barceloneta restaurant on the city’s colourful Queens Road, Iborra smiles with familiarity at a vibrant setting that provides a stark reminder of his home country.
It’s a pleasant contrast to the grey skies lingering outside.
“I knew what the weather would be like before I came here,” admits Iborra with a smile as he takes a seat, still looking around.
“Many friends told me before I moved to England that the weather is different to Spain. It’s not been a problem for me and my family. We lived in Valencia and Seville, and the weather can be too hot.”
It’s been six months since Vicente made the move across Europe to join the Foxes, accompanied by his wife and two sons, who now go to school with team-mate Leonardo Ulloa’s children.
Having his close family by his side has been important he admits, however he’s settled into life in England quickly.
“Things are good,” says Iborra. “I’m enjoying playing football and training is great. It’s very different here, but it’s not a problem. I’m able to go into training whilst my wife can go to the gym. Both of my sons are in school, but we’re able to play at home in the afternoon and be together as a family.
“Compared to where we have been, Leicester is quite quiet, which is very good for us as we’re a quiet family and like to have our own time,” he adds. “We’re still getting to know the culture of Leicester and the cultures within the city, but it’s something that we’re keen to find out more about.
“I’ve had a few opportunities to go into the city. We usually go into the city when I have a day off, either to take a walk, have lunch or go shopping. Sometimes we just like to explore the city when I have time off.”
My Earliest Football Memory: Vicente Iborra
Vicente Iborra sat down with LCFC TV to discuss his early memories of playing football and growing up in Spain.
Vicente and his family are also keen to explore the country beyond Leicester. At this point, London and Birmingham have been visited, with the family enjoying both, and many other cities have also been earmarked for a visit.
“My family is the most important thing to me,” says Iborra when asked about the significance in having his family members with him in Leicester.
“There is so much to the experience of moving to Leicester; it’s a different country, a different language and there are different customs. It’s all new to me and my family.
“We’re far from the rest of our family and friends, so to be together is very important. Once I come home from training, I like to play with my sons. It means so much to me.”
To read the interview in full, head down to the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium to buy your copy of LCFC Magazine for just £4.