Dani Febles returns to UD Lanzarote for another season

Dani Febles recently signed up for another season with UD Lanzarote. After several years playing around the world, the Venezuelan-born winger is now settled on Lanzarote. We met up with him last month.

Tell us a bit about your background, Dani.

I grew up in Venezuela, where my father Pedro was a well-known player. He was born in Tenerife but moved to Venezuela where he played several matches for the national side in the 1980s. I played in Venezuela for several seasons, before signing for teams in Korea, Bolivia and Bangladesh. I arrived at UD Lanzarote in 2023 and now I’m back after a season at Yaiza.

Haaland, Schmeichel, Ferran Torres – football is full of sons following in their father’s footsteps. Is it a genetic thing?

I’m not sure. You need talent, of course, but in my case it was more that I grew up in a footballing environment. I saw my dad training every day, spent all day kicking a ball and lived and breathed football.

Which stadiums in the Canaries do you enjoy visiting?

Lanzarote is always a highlight. The fans here are amazing, part of the club’s DNA. Otherwise, it’s always a pleasure to visit Mensajero in La Palma – it’s a beautiful stadium.

You’ve played seasons in South Korea and Bangladesh. What was that like?

A complete contrast. Bangladesh is a poor country but I was able to communicate in English. They treated me very well and it was very nice experience. South Korea couldn’t be more different, a modern first-world country with an advanced football infrastructure and a very disciplined attitude.

Venezuela’s national sport is baseball. Is football less of a priority there?

No, there are four times as many footballers than baseball players in Venezuela. It just that we’re really good at baseball. Venezuela are currently the World Baseball champions after beating the USA earlier this year. That brings money and attention.

Any good footballer in Venezuela discovers that they’ll have to leave the country to progress. The national league simply can’t compete.

How do you see this season going?

It won’t be such a media circus. We’ve got a dynamic, experienced manager in Juan Carlos Machín, who brings wisdom and experience, and we’ve made a few signings, but the aim is to consolidate the base we’ve got and get the basics right. When I played for Lanzarote two years ago it wasn’t easy – the ground was closed for renovation and we had to train elsewhere. It made me realise the importance of stability and structure at a club.

You’re 35, which is an age when footballers address the future. What are your plans?

I’ve been appointed as director of the cantera (youth team), and I can’t wait to get started. It’s an aspect of the club that has been overlooked, I think.

Are you here on Lanzarote for good?

I think so. I live near the Charco in Arrecife with my wife and two young daughters. This is home.