The Cantabrian midfielder, who suffered from mental health issues in 2021, returns to the yellow discipline after his time in MLS and a pre-season in Marbella. Ruiz claims to feel "more mature" and eager to enjoy.
UD Las Palmas has welcomed back one of its prodigal sons. Sergio Ruiz, the midfielder who left the club in 2021 due to mental health issues, returns to the yellow discipline after an experience in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. The player, who has completed pre-season training with the team in Marbella, is feeling "excited" and "very eager" to reunite with the fans and the new coach, Rubén de la Barrera.
Ruiz, 31, acknowledges that his time in American football has allowed him to "see everything from a different perspective," he stated to the media during the training camp on the Costa del Sol. The Cantabrian, who played for Charlotte FC, asserts that he returns "much more mature" and "emotionally strengthened." "I’m back because I experienced more happy moments here than bad ones. Now the important thing is to perform and show it on the pitch," he affirmed.
Ruiz's return comes at a crucial time for UD Las Palmas, which is facing its second consecutive season in the Second Division after relegation from the First. The team, which has conducted part of its preparation in Marbella, aims to establish itself in the silver category and fight for promotion. "Our goal is to be at the top and well-prepared for a long season," the footballer pointed out.
The new coach, Rubén de la Barrera, is also experiencing his debut on the yellow bench. Ruiz highlighted the coach's "enthusiasm" and his commitment to an attractive style of play. "Little by little, he is conveying glimpses of the playing style he has in mind. I believe we will have an attractive way of playing," he commented. The coach promised "rock and roll" on the pitch, a style with which Ruiz identifies: "I like rock and roll, I like the playing idea proposed by the coach, being protagonists, having the ball, and ensuring that UD has a playing identity."
The pre-season in Marbella has helped the team build physical strength and assimilate the concepts of the new coach. "Physically, we are acquiring work load to be well-prepared for the start of the competition," Ruiz explained. The midfielder has not yet had a personal conversation with De la Barrera about his specific role, but he trusts that tactical adjustments will be refined over time. "These days are about explaining general concepts so that everyone has a clear idea of what the coach wants," he indicated.
UD Las Palmas, which seeks to regain the path of success, faces an increasingly competitive Second Division. Ruiz acknowledged the difficulty of the category: "We have seen in recent years that it is very difficult to get promoted again after being relegated from the First. The level in the Second has risen a lot." Despite this, the player remains optimistic: "We have a clear plan and are working with maximum enthusiasm to ensure things go well."
The return of Sergio Ruiz represents a quality reinforcement for the yellow midfield. His experience in MLS and his knowledge of the club, where he played between 2019 and 2021, make him a key player for De la Barrera's plans. The fans, who remember him fondly, hope that this second stint will be as fruitful as the first.
The team will continue its preparation in Marbella before returning to Gran Canaria to finalise details ahead of the league start. The first official match of the season is scheduled for mid-August, and UD Las Palmas hopes to have Sergio Ruiz fully fit by then.
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