Kike ‘Casanova’ Pérez has conquered Serie A with Venezia, celebrating the club’s return to the top flight of Italian football. In an exclusive interview with MARCA, the Spanish midfielder reflects on a remarkable season that saw him take a significant step forward in his career.
Kike Pérez celebrates Venezia’s promotion to Serie A.
Drawing comparisons to the legendary Venetian Giacomo Casanova, Pérez has charmed Italian football by leading Venezia back to Serie A. “I have no words to describe what this means,” he tells MARCA. The former Rayo Vallecano, Lugo, and Valladolid player made a bold decision to stay at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo despite relegation to Serie B. “Taking the risk and remaining in Serie B has paid off. It has been a very special year.”
“The key to promotion, besides the immense work we put in, was finding players who complement each other on the pitch. The start was tough because relegation is hard, especially mentally, but then we strung together 10 consecutive wins, took the lead, and nobody moved us from first place. It was a very complete year and we have to appreciate it,” Pérez reflects.
“I’d highlight the home match against Monza. We won 2-0 and I scored. It was a crucial game because it secured the head-to-head advantage and put us at the top of the table, which is exactly what we needed,” he recalls.
Kike Pérez rallies the fans after securing promotion.
With promotion secured, Pérez looks ahead to next season. Venezia’s last three promotions have all ended in relegation the following year. “The primary objective is survival. We want to stay in the elite as long as possible, and the club is doing great work to make that happen. I don’t have a magic wand. We have a solid core, and the sporting director will need to do his job. We’ll see what happens, but the main challenge is staying up, and I’m sure we’ll achieve it.”
With Pérez in this form — three goals and eight assists in 34 matches — it should be easier. “I’ve taken a big leap in terms of numbers. I still have a little regret because I don’t know how many woodwork strikes I’ve had, probably between 8 and 10. I could have scored even more, but I’m happy. I feel I’ve helped my teammates. We’ve seen one of the best versions of Kike Pérez in terms of numbers and presence on the pitch.”
Kike Pérez prepares to take a corner.
“The key to my level has been confidence and daily work. I’ve been focused from the first minute of preseason until we achieved promotion. I think it’s been a mental exercise that allowed me to perform at a much higher level than in recent years,” he emphasizes.
Kike ‘Casanova’ Pérez has accomplished this in an unparalleled setting. “The most beautiful thing is that there’s no other city like it in the world, with that charm. But what makes it most unique from a football perspective is the way we get to the stadium. Leaving the hotel and taking the boat is something special. You disconnect while crossing the water.” Hopefully, his return to Serie A will be more than a fleeting romance.