Another Spaniard is ready to land in what has become, over the years, a true Iberian colony. After Luis Alberto, Jony, Raul Moro e Patric, it’s time for Pepe Reina to wear the white and blue shirt. Behind him a long career in the ranks of Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Naples and Milan. But behind the goalkeeper esteemed by many insiders, there is much more. “Predestined” footballer with a real mania for superstition, father of a family, entrepreneur, but also an actor. In order of importance, the presence of his wife at his side should be noted Yolanda ruiz, with which he crowned his dream of love on May 19, 2006. With the Spanish, continued on Instagram from more than 35 thousand followers, he created a large family, consisting of five children: Sira, Thiago, Luca, Grecia and Alma. Five children arrived against all odds. The reason was revealed by Pepe himself in an open-hearted interview a few years ago: “I had a problem with my testicles, which was causing sterility. The doctor told us that we couldn’t have children of course, that it was better to adopt them.” A hard blow for the couple and for the player, who puts this interview among the worst moments of his life.
THE LIFE OF A “RECOMMENDED” – The passion for football was born immediately, as a child. Also because Pepe’s father is Miguel Reina, formerly Cordoba and Barcelona. When the goalkeeper is born, the father has already finished his career, but at home there is still an air of “from the run”. A positive aspect, fundamental for the growth of the ’82 class, but which caused him many problems. The beginnings at Barcelona were complicated precisely because of the heavy inheritance left by Miguel, which cost Pepe the indiscreet glances of those who believed he had been “recommended” by his father, who was given greater consideration only to his surname.
PASSION ACTING – Pepe Reina is, indisputably, a man of a thousand resources. And here then, contrary to what one might imagine seeing him defend the goal of his team, on his curriculum there are also roles to be actor. This is a small commercial for an insurance company and a short film “Invictus, Cesar’s mail”, directed by Javier Fesser, who thought for him the role of the emperor’s messenger. Small commitments which, however, confirm its characteristics from showman, which led him to be called the true soul of the group in any team he set foot.
BETWEEN PRESENT AND FUTURE – Pepe Reina’s future is already written. The goalkeeper has never hidden the desire, once the boots are on the nail, to try his hand in the role of coach. In the present, in addition to playing the role of a footballer, he is also a business owner. The Spaniard just got his debut in “Primera” when he had 18 years, he founded a company of representation and technical advice for athletes. A company to which his wife Yolanda is also a part and which, over the years, has earned him about 4 million euros.
THE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCARAMANZIA – Waiting for new challenges, the goalkeeper is now ready to carve out an important role in the team led by Simone Inzaghi. And, undoubtedly, also with the shirt of Lazio on him, he will follow his own in a timely manner superstitious rituals, true constants in his career. Before each race, for example, Pepe goes to a distributor of petrol to refuel his car. Even if the car has already been filled up. Even five euros are enough: for Reina it is a fixed appointment, not to be skipped even once. The precedents actually gave him reason. Not to mention all the attentions to keep once you enter countryside. Before reaching the goal, cross the line that delimits the pitch by making two jumps with the right leg, then punch the four defenders of the team, starting from the left side. And once you reach the poles, touch the right one with your hands while giving it a few strokes with the shoes. And that’s not all. Because before placing himself in the right place, he takes six steps towards the small area and you are towards the penalty spot. The last part of the ritual, however, is all for the wife: “I’m looking for it on the steps. Once I find it, I’m calm. We can start.”
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