After head coach Sebastian Hoeneß put his players through their paces in front of around 1,000 fans on Tuesday afternoon, there was one observer paying particularly close attention at the training complex on Wednesday: former VfB defender Emiliano Insua.
The 35-year-old was given a warm welcome as he greeted old friends, having spent four and a half years at VfB – the longest spell of his career at a single club. Last season Insua hung up his boots in Argentina, and as he is currently visiting Germany, he stopped by to pay VfB a visit.
Emiliano you played for VfB for a long time. What’s it like for you being back here?
Emiliano Insua: “I’ve got wonderful memories of the club, the city and the fans. I enjoyed the best time of my career here. Stuttgart became my second home, and my family really liked it here too. I’m happy to be back.”
How have you kept track of VfB, and what did you make of last season?
Insua: “Last season was perfect for VfB. I think the club deserves to play in the Champions League every year because they’ve got a good team and wonderful fans. I was delighted for VfB.”
In the Champions League we might end up playing a team from Madrid that you are very familiar with…
Insua: “Yes, that would be really cool. If VfB play against Atletico Madrid I’ll definitely be there, regardless of where the match takes place.”
What do you plan to do here in Stuttgart before you return to Argentina?
Insua: “I’ll definitely eat schnitzel and Maultaschen [Swabian ravioli], and now I’ll do everything I wasn’t able to do as a player.”