|My ceiling had 100 leaks, we had to put pots out everywhere for them - Yerliane Moreno|Exclusive Interview|

On 29 May, @UDGTenerife announced the signing of Yerliane Moreno on a two-year deal, but four years ago, her reality was very different. (1/17)

#womansfootball

In this exclusive interview with FUTVE English, Yerliane talks to us about:

Growing up in Guasdualito, Venezuela
Nearly quitting in 2016
What drives her to succeed
Captaining her country
Her desire to be one of the best in the world
And more.

Best goals! (2/17)

Q: What made you fall in love with football and start playing?

A: My father planted that passion for football in me since I was little. There was a pitch in front of my house, and he was always there with me, coaching me and teaching me new things.

#futfem (3/17)

A: (continued)...In the afternoons I used to play with boys. An uncle of mine suggested he take me to where the boys used to train, and that's when I started my career; 7 years old and playing with boys. Everything started because my father supported me.

#vinotinto (4/17)

Q: What was it like growing up in Guasdualito?

A: My childhood was not easy at all. My family has always been poor. We bought clothes only when we could and the floods affected us a lot. I would get sick from the bacteria that got into my lungs during the floods.

#Apure (5/17)

A: (continued)...Nowadays I realise that everything my family and I went through has been worth it. I thank God because it hasn’t been easy to get to where I am now and telling you all this makes me want to cry. Things were really hard but dreams can come true.

#Venezuela (6/17)

A: (continued)...I'm grateful because with the little money I get paid from the national team and my work, I'm able to have my things. Nothing has been given to me and I'm so proud when I remember all that I lived through in Guasdualito.

#Guasdualito #vinotinto (7/17)

(continued)...I feel really proud of myself and my family, knowing that we are all okay now and that something better is waiting for me in Spain. God willing, I will play well there too and become one of the best players not just from South America but in the world.

(8/17)

Q: In 2016, you said you had considered quitting football. How close did it get?

A: I almost quit several times: firstly because my dad wanted me to finish high school and graduate, then due to a serious chest infection, and also out of tiredness on the training camps.

(9/17)

Q: What were the biggest obstacles to getting your career started?

A: My living conditions were really bad - the leaks and a toilet that overflowed constantly - Guasdalito flooded regularly, and I did not have the things I needed to play.

#vinotinto #venex #futfem (10/17)

A: (continued)...To make ends meet, I had to work with my dad, staying up every night very late to make money and pay for my football trips or in order to have a pair of football boots. I used to sell fish, I helped my dad fix people's ceilings - we did all sorts.

(11/17)

Q: It is incredible that you have been able to secure a move to Europe before you turn 20. What are your career goals?

A: It is another accomplishment to add to everything I have already achieved because I have accomplished a lot at my young age.

#vinotinto #futfem (12/17)

Knowing I will go to Spain to play is such a big achievement, something I never could have imagined happening. When I was little I never thought of getting this far. I want to land in Tenerife soon and be able to play well. (13/17)

Q: @UDGTenerife now has 5 Venezuelan players, including you, all of whom you've played with at some point. It must be a reassuring factor as well as a great pride.

A: Knowing they're there and that I'll have their support puts me at ease, but it won’t be easy.

#venex (14/17)

Q: Your generation, which won the South American championships twice in a row and finished fourth at the World Cup, is very talented. What do you expect you'll achieve with the senior team?

A: Right now our main goal is to qualify for a World Cup. It will happen.

#futve (15/17)

(continued)...With the my U17 generation, I had the chance to share the field with Deyna, Daniuska, Veronica, and all of those talented players. We had such a great team, we did really well, thank God, because of all of the hard work that we put in.

#vinotinto #venex (16/17)

We would like to thank Yerliane for her time and personal insight. FUTVE English also wishes @UDGTenerife the best of luck for the upcoming season. You can count on us for support.

For more on Venezuelan football, remember to follow!

End. (17/17)