“It was an unforgettable experience”, exclusive interview with former Nottingham Forest and Barnsley left back Dani Pinnilos

Dani Pinillos is a name that should be familiar to supporters of Nottingham Forest and Barnsley, with the 28-year-old enjoying two separate spells in England with the two clubs respectively.

Zak Armitage was fortunate enough to interview Dani recently and discussed a variety of topics with the Spaniard, including his promotion with Barnsley and his love for English football.

1.) Did you always want to be a footballer growing up?

Yes, since I was little and played with my friends at school, I was clear that I wanted to try to dedicate myself to being a professional footballer.

I’m fortunate to have achieved it since many people try but there are many factors that do not depend on oneself and there are many people who are left without being able to achieve it even if they have tried in a thousand ways.

2.) You played in La Liga for Córdoba what was that experience like? How hard is La Liga?

It was an unforgettable experience because it was one of my goals, to be able to play against the best players in the world like [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo].

It is very difficult because it is one of the best leagues in the world and I was very young when I debuted and I still needed a lot of experience, but I am happy to have fulfilled that dream.

3.) You then moved to England for the first time and joined Nottingham Forest, how do you look back at your time at Forest?

 It has been one of my best experiences, arriving in England and playing for a historic club like Forest. I started the year very well but I was unlucky enough to break my ACL for the second time.

Even so I keep a beautiful memory of that stage of my life. I will always be grateful to the fans because they made me feel like I was at home for two great years.

4.) After a spell back in Spain with Córdoba you came back to England and signed for Barnsley. After leaving Forest did you always want to come back to England?

Yes, English football has always caught my attention and after being able to play in Championship for four and a half seasons I would go again if I had the opportunity without hesitation.

5.) You had some great moments at Barnsley such as promotion from League One, how special was that?

It is always special to get a promotion, but it’s even more special is to get it the year after being relegated. It is one of the happiest moments of my career because I felt very good with myself and with the rest of my teammates, having achieved it in a category as difficult as League One.

6.) How tough was it last season at Barnsley not playing much football? How challenging is it for a footballer when they’re not playing for their club?

It was one of the hardest moments of my career because unfortunately the team was not getting good results and I did not understand why they did not count on me after being a first team regular in the promotion season.

But these experiences make you stronger as a person and as a player and you can always get something good out of them no matter how hard they are.

7.) You now play for Miedź Legnica in Poland, how are you enjoying your time there?

I have not been here long but I am very comfortable with the teammates, the staff, the fans and the city. I am very comfortable and happy here and I hope I can help the team to get into the play-offs or to go up direct, who knows.

8.) Would you ever consider playing in England again in the future?

As I have told you before I love English football and if in the future I have the opportunity to return and I think it can help in my development as a footballer … why not?

A talented full back who put in some excellent displays during his time in England, it remains to be seen if Dani will opt for a third spell in England.

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