It will be no surprise that a small part of Swansea was as joyful as Madrid as Spain earned their first major success since 1964 when a Fernando Torres goal was enough to beat Germany in the final.
And it was extra special for Orlandi who is a former team mate of some of Spain’s national heroes including Carlos Puyol and Xavi Hernandex.He also believes that the Spanish success can be a springboard for success this season for Spanish players everywhere and with six at the Liberty then there is every chance that our odds of that are dramatically improved.
Speaking to today’s Western Mail, the winger said “All the Spanish lads watched it together – there was no way we were going to miss that
“And we were delighted, it’s a great boost for Spanish football because it’s been 44 years since we won anything and it’s a great boost for us because we can start the season happy.
“We have grown up playing that kind of football and we want to do the same in the Championship this season, so to see it bringing success on an international level gives us a great confidence.
“I know just how good they are,” he said. “I’ve played and trained with them all.“Iniesta and I are roughly the same age so we came through youth football together and we played for the Catalan representative side at U15 and U17.
“Going back even younger, we played against each other with our junior sides, but we both went to Barca and were in the same teams and in training together.
“He and Xavi are really amazing players, playing against them even on the training ground was just a nightmare because you never saw the ball.“You tried to take control of the game, but they were too good and they would never let possession go.
“They have always been brilliant players, amazing, and I don’t know why people took so long to recognise it. Maybe it took the time because they had to win a major trophy but now they have done it, they’ve always been amazing players.
“In my opinion, they are best midfielders in the world.
“You learn so much from them, just being around players of their quality because you watch them on the ball and their technique,” adds Orlandi.
“It’s the same with Jordi, who played at Barca with me and was at the club from the age of 11 and had experience in the Copa del Rey – we have all had a good pedigree if you want.
“We have been around the best and we want to be our best for Swansea. You see top players like Xavi and, of course, it is hard to copy that, but seeing players like that close up gives you energy to at least try.
“And now seeing them play their style with Spain gives me confidence to do it for Swansea.
“As strange as it seems, I’d rather be here.
“Besides, it seems a bit too crazy back home!”
This article first appeared on JACKARMY.net.