Six weeks into his new adventure, Yeremy Pino already has one clear verdict on life in London – the traffic is lousy (h/t The Athletic).
The 22-year-old left Villarreal in August for a fee of over €25 million and has settled quickly at Selhurst Park, featuring seven times in all competitions.
He took over Eberechi Eze’s number ten shirt following his move to Arsenal – no small task given his hero status after last season’s FA Cup-winning campaign.
Pino has found plenty to enjoy in London, joining a Palace side on the rise after winning their first major trophy and beating Liverpool twice already this season.
The Spaniard has settled into manager Oliver Glasner’s system and has benefited from a strong support network of Spanish-speaking teammates.
“The Colombians, Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma, are helping me a lot,” he said. “Walter Benitez, too. Even (Jean Philippe) Mateta tries to speak Spanish with me. Everyone has been very welcoming.”
He has also stayed in touch with familiar faces across the capital. “I’ve spoken a lot with Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro, and the Arsenal players – (David) Raya, (Mikel) Merino and (Martin) Zubimendi,” he added.
“We live close, and we’ve been out to eat together. I’ve not picked a favourite Spanish restaurant yet – I’ve been too busy settling in!”
Born in Las Palmas, Pino rose through Villarreal’s ranks from the age of 14 and went on to make 170 senior appearances, scoring 22 goals and winning the 2021 Europa League under Unai Emery.
Glasner convinced him to move to England, promising freedom and trust.
“He believed in me from the first call,” Pino said. “He wants me to play with confidence, press high and enjoy my football. He tells me there’s a lot I can improve, but that I have a very high ceiling.”
Adjusting to the Premier League’s pace has been a challenge, but one he relishes. “It’s a bit crazier than Spanish football,” he admitted.
“But players like Santi Cazorla and David Silva showed that even if you’re not the biggest physically, with quality and intelligence, you can thrive here. They’re my idols.”
Now back with Spain, Pino marked his return from a knee injury with a goal against Georgia and is eager to make up for missing the 2024 European Championship.
“Luis de la Fuente and my teammates made me feel part of it even when I was out,” he said. “That meant a lot. Now I want to help Spain win again – it’s not about the individual, it’s about the group.”
