The Swansea City striker will go under the knife next week for a hernia operation that is expected to keep him out of action for around a month but his thoughts even now drift to his former team mates at Granada who are experiencing tough times.
Whilst Pintado is plying his trade in the second level of English football, his team mates have gone four months with no pay as the club hits severe financial problems that threaten its very existence.
Speaking to the Evening Post, Pintado said “It is very difficult for the players because they have not been paid for four months by the boss
“I speak to one or two players every week as they are my friends. For the supporters it is not a good time, but for the players it is very worrying.
“I know some of them have saved money, but they don’t know what will happen. Will they have enough money to keep going? I don’t know.
“When I was at Granada there was a little problem, but not like what is happening now.
“I love the supporters there and the club too. I look for their results on my computer and I wish everything can be sorted out soon.”
Pintado has delayed his operation until now but will not play a part of much of the next month for the Swans but says he will come back much stronger – a thought that will keep many Swans fans conforted in his absence
“I need to feel 100 per cent for the team, because if you are not then you can’t help the team as much as you want
“When I go on the pitch I have adrenaline and that can stop the pain for a while — you forget about it.
“Sometimes when I kick with my left foot or jump I feel a lot of pain. Even when I am lying in bed, I wake up because of the pain.
“It will take away the pain I have been feeling after training and games. We delayed the operation because we had many games in a short period.
“Now, I can’t wait any longer. I can’t describe how much it hurts.
“I will miss the FA Cup game with Fulham. It is unlucky but I need the operation.
“It is a big competition and a big game to play in, but when you are struggling after games it is frustrating.
“I need to be at 100 per cent. “At the moment I am not but after my operation I will be
“I will be able to do everything — shoot, pass, jump — without feeling pain.
“Then I think I can be at my best. I hear our fans singing my name a lot — I hope to give them more to shout about.”
