Hello, Emiliano. After leaving Stuttgart in early 2020, you played on for another four years in the USA and Argentina. What are you up to now that your playing career is over?
Emiliano Insua: “I’ve joined my brother’s business. He’s been running a consultancy agency for 17 years and was also my agent. I’m his partner these days, passing on my experience as a former professional. We try to help players achieve their dream of playing professional football.”
Having made 85 top-flight appearances and 40 second-division outings for VfB, you’re the club’s record Argentinian appearance-maker. How do you reflect on your eventful time in Bad Cannstatt?
Insua: “As a family, we felt very much at home in Stuttgart for nearly five years. Of all my former clubs, I was happiest at VfB. My two older kids grew up in Stuttgart and are still learning German here in Argentina. We visit the city whenever we get the opportunity to do so.”
Two years ago, you said you’d definitely stop by if VfB and Atletico faced each other in the Champions League. Will we see you on Tuesday?
Insua: “Yes! When I got the invitation from VfB, I said yes straight away and started looking at flights. I’m really looking forward to it. Even though I also played for Atletico, I’m rooting for VfB.”
As an Atletico player, you won the Spanish Cup in 2013 and the league title in 2014. How important was that period of your career?
Insua: “Atletico are one of the biggest clubs I played for, and I had a lot of fun there. Filipe Luis was the first-choice left-back, though, so I didn’t get much time on the pitch. That’s why I decided to move to Stuttgart as a fairly young player. I still have fond memories of my time there, though – particularly because of the trophies we won.”
As an Atletico player, you won the Spanish Cup in 2013 and the league title in 2014. How important was that period of your career?
Insua: “Atletico are one of the biggest clubs I played for, and I had a lot of fun there. Filipe Luis was the first-choice left-back, though, so I didn’t get much time on the pitch. That’s why I decided to move to Stuttgart as a fairly young player. I still have fond memories of my time there, though – particularly because of the trophies we won.”
Diego Simeone has been in the Atletico dugout for nearly 15 years, and you know him personally. What sets him apart, and how has he managed to remain at such a big club for so long?
Insua: “He’s a passionate coach and as emotional on the touchline as he appears – he probably covers 10 kilometres a game. He instils that emotion and fighting spirit in his team. Atletico never give up and Simeone’s character is part of their game. VfB will have to be very focused to find a way past them. It’s going to be very difficult.”
What’s your prediction?
Insua: “I’m hoping for a Stuttgart win, even though it’ll be difficult. I’m going for 2-1 VfB.”