Daniel Muñoz takes stock after a great Copa América: ‘That bitter pill is over, we can continue to lift Colombia up’

Daniel Muñoz was one of the key players in the great Copa América that the Colombian National Team had. He contributed two goals and one assist on the way that led the team led by Néstor Lorenzo to the final of the continental tournament.

The Crystal Palace full-back is spending a few days off in Medellin, where he had time to return to the Atanasio Girardot stadium as a regular fan to cheer on Atlético Nacional. He also took time out to speak to the media before returning to the Premier League, something he said was a childhood dream.

Muñoz missed the Copa del Rey final against Argentina after being sent off in the semi-final against Uruguay. And now he hopes to play the qualifying match against the world champions on September 10 in Barranquilla.

Do you take it as revenge?I think that revenge in football is every day. When we wake up, we have revenge right there. In a month we have a new game: first comes the one against Peru, which is the most important, and then, if God gives me the opportunity to be on the field, I am eager to do things well, to give my best, to contribute to my teammates and hopefully be able to win,” said Muñoz, during an event organized by the Nike firm in Medellín.

Muñoz was singled out as one of the best players in the Cup. “I think that the balance, beyond not being able to share the field with my teammates in the final, that was a dream final. We all dreamed of it. I will take away the best things that were achieved, the effort of my teammates, the desire, the commitment, the passion that we put into each match.”

The full-back also gave his personal assessment. “I am happy with what I was able to show, that it is possible to reach the elite of football, to compete with anyone. It is very sad not to be able to be in the final, the dream was for all of Colombia. That bitter pill has passed and we can continue dreaming of taking Colombia to the top.”

Muñoz’s feelings during his time at Crystal Palace

Muñoz, 28, has been at Crystal Palace for six months and will return to the club on Wednesday. He has no plans to change clubs for now, even though there are some possibilities on the market.

“I have settled in very well at Crystal Palace and I believe that my performance and my qualities, both professional and personal, have improved. That is what has got me where I am today, perhaps on the radar of many teams. That is very important, to feel good, welcomed, that you are loved and valued. That is the love that Crystal Palace has given me from the first moment I arrived,” he said.

Alejandra Ospina Cordero

Digital Scope Editorial

TIME

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