On Saturday at the Reina Sofía, changes were made across nearly every position. But not at left-back, where Álvaro Cervera has rediscovered a reliable, effective academy product who never complains about switching sides: David Rodríguez Ramos. Barring any surprises in the final two matchdays, he will finish the season as the player with the most minutes under the coach—a milestone he cherishes, though he insists team achievements always come first.
**Was Tenerife’s promotion the happiest one?**
Absolutely. I think the fans really connected with all of us. It’s a joy to walk down the street and see so many happy people greeting us and thanking us. It’s one of the most beautiful things that has ever happened to me.
**Do you realize how important this achievement is for the club and its fans?**
We’ve received countless congratulations, but this belongs to them too. I believe our people played a key role in this promotion. We are the ones who should be thanking them. More than a week has passed, but the emotional hangover lingers. What we achieved was historic, and now it’s time to enjoy it while still competing. Yes, the emotion is still raw.
**And you? What have you felt?**
I sense people are happy for me. Many fans feel represented by what I symbolize. After all, I’m a local kid who grew up here… That fills me with pride—I can’t find the words to describe it.
**Tell us more about promotion day. What was the first thing you did when you got home?**
Well, I got home late (laughs). The first thing I did was rest—I really needed it. There was no curfew that night, so we celebrated big, as the occasion deserved. The next day was for unwinding, but I ended up looking at photos and memories… Like I said, the emotional hangover is still here and will be for a long time. We achieved the promotion we dreamed of.
**How many congratulatory messages on your phone?**
A ton. And I’m one of those who reply to everyone, so I’ll make sure to do that. You have to be grateful, and I am grateful to everyone who felt even a little joy for me, for us. Ultimately, for CD Tenerife.
**Earlier you mentioned being from Tenerife. Does this achievement feel twice as special for homegrown players?**
Yes. We’ve been through every possible situation. We grew year by year, team by team, category by category. For guys like César, Dani, and me… the dream was always to reach the first team. But not only did we get there, we played many matches at the top level and secured a promotion. It’s every academy player’s dream. May 1st was a huge day, spectacular for us. To earn promotion with the team from your own island, surrounded by your people, is wonderful. I think it had been over 40 years since a promotion was sealed at home. Everything turned out incredible.
**I feel people are happy for me, that the fans identify with what I represent.**
**How many difficult moments did you overcome on the way to this goal?**
Many, many. It wasn’t easy. To reach the summit you have to go through many stages, and I was fortunate—I saw it as a step forward—to go on loan to Antequera. There I grew as a person and as a player. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Antequera, the management, and my teammates, because they are part of everything I’m experiencing now. I think I wouldn’t be the player I am without that key stage in my development.
**What did that club give you?**
Maturity, stability, minutes. It was also the club that introduced me to Primera RFEF. My first experience in this category was two years ago with Antequera.
**Does this promotion erase the trauma of last year?**
