MONTIEL: 'I HAVE WON MANY TITLES IN ARGENTINA, BUT I'M HUNGRY FOR MORE WITH SEVILLA'

At first, it wasn't easy to make his mark with one of the South American giants, but the hard work paid off: 'It was quite difficult when I arrived at River Plate because it is a big club and you have to work very hard. However, I was able to establish myself there and win trophies. I'm hungry for more success here. I couldn't have done it without my family, and living away from them when I was younger was tough, but it's made me who I am today. At the start, it took quite a while to get used to being without them, but as time went on, it got better. The club's lodgings were my home, and that is where they taught me everything I needed to know to get to the First Division. You do have times where you doubt yourself away from your friends and family, but I had it in my head that I was going to be successful and win things. The main thing that I will remember from my time with River is the people, which is quite similar to here. 

Despite the fact that he will always be considered a River star, he admits that he never intended for it to be like that: 'My grandfather was a huge River Plate fan and he wanted to name me Ariel Ortega after the player. My mother wasn't too keen on it so in the end they went with Gonzalo Ariel. In terms of idols, I always tried to look up to my team-mates and just continue being myself every day in training. This is what helped me get to the First Division. I remember being with the reserves at River, and I felt so close yet so far, and that was tough. I was determined to make it to the top and I wanted to do it immediately, but obviously these things take time.'

'In terms of idols, I always tried to look up to my team-mates and just continue being myself every day in training.'

He considers himself a versatile player, despite always playing as a full-back in his time with River Plate: 'In the youth teams, I played in several positions, but when I made it to the first team, I was always just a full-back. I'm used to playing in this position and I enjoy playing there. At River Plate, I would play in any position they told me to play because it was an honour to be playing for the club in the first place. I still want to improve on some things. I'm confident that I will because there is a talented squad here and I can continue to work hard to be the best version of myself in training.'

Montiel had to be asked about the competition for the position with none other than Jesús Navas: 'I've heard a lot about him, he's won a lot of things and above all, he is a great guy. I'm happy to be playing on the same side as him and of course, it will be a healthy rivalry for the position. If we can play together, even better.' Argentinian football is very passionate and thrilling, and the full-back is expecting the same amount of rivalry and passion in LaLiga: 'Of course, my team-mates have told me about these games, which can be very heated. I can't wait to play in them. Physically, I'm ready. The Copa América finished, and two days later, I was back playing with River. As the days go by, my rhythm will improve, but I haven't stopped, and I'm ready to play.'

Lastly, in a squad with several Argentinians, he was asked about Diego Armando Maradona, and his time as a Sevillista: 'It is an honour. I feel very proud to be able to play here, and for Diego to have played here too is something really special.'