Dani Ceballos: “I’m back at Betis to do the hard work”

Dani Ceballos, Real Betis midfielder, gave his first interview after returning nine years later and made his message clear: “I’m coming to put on the work boots.” The Utrera-born player said his summer was unusual because he couldn’t complete a normal pre-season, but insisted he arrives in “my best moment” thanks to his emotional stability.

On his match-readiness, he explained how he and the coaching staff planned his playing time ahead of the break, using an incremental approach: about “30, 30 and around 15 minutes.” He added that an upcoming friendly will help them regain rhythm, and that his body is in good shape after productive stretches—especially toward the end against Villarreal—while noting it’s harder to find game intensity when coming on from the bench.

Ceballos also talked about reconnecting with the fans. He admitted he felt “a bit isolated” at first and is eager to return to La Cartuja, believing a larger stadium will make the crowd’s presence feel even more. He finished by recalling the transfer-market uncertainty, saying he had direct contact with sporting director Manu Fajardo and that the final days brought extra nerves.