Spanish winger Adama Traore discusses life Away From the Action at Molineux and Compton Park, exploring how he keeps relaxed and some of his favourite activities.
What do you like to do away from football?
I like to go out and eat. I just like being out; see my friends, eat some tapas, or play sports. I just like to do things outside and be active. This is how I grew up in Spain, we’d always be out eating tapas, or playing basketball or table tennis with my friends.
Do you watch football outside of Wolves?
Absolutely. I like to watch football and I have many friends who all play football, so I like to see them, support them, and also see the best players and take things from them.
Are there any other sports you like to play?
Between me and my friends, we like the competition, so we compete at lots of different sports, so I play a lot things.
Is there one sport or activity you wish you could try?
Boxing. Boxing is one I’d like to try, and the other would be American football. I like to watch it and if I wasn’t a footballer, I would like to try that too.
Are you quite active during your downtime?
Definitely. I always like to be doing something. I like to go and explore other cultures and different mindsets. Because I speak so many languages, I can always speak to anyone in all different parts of the world. So, if I’ve got a few days off, then I like to travel, get out and visit new places. If I have an injury, I also feel travelling helps my recovery and helps my mind.
Where do you like to visit during time off?
Obviously, I like to go back to Spain and see my friends and family, but when I go travelling, there’s no specific place. I like to explore and go to new places. Sometimes when I’ve been to places, it’s been for work, so I like to have time afterwards to really see the places. I liked visiting Japan, China, and I’ve been to a lot of countries in Africa because of the origins of my family in Mali, but I’d like to visit more. I’ve also never been to the USA, so I would like to go there.
Which teammates would be the best and worst to spend downtime with?
There’s genuinely no-one I wouldn’t spend time with, I’d happily spend time with everyone outside of the team. I get on with all of my teammates.
Do you spend time with your teammates away from Compton?
Yeah, I’ve been with everyone outside of football. If it’s going out for a cup of tea with the more English guys, going to eat the Bacalhau with the Portuguese, or if it’s a general meal with everyone, I enjoy it and enjoy spending time with everyone. I feel my culture in Spain and the way I was brought up makes it a lot easier for me to fit in with everyone.
Is there a specific restaurant or café that you like to visit?
Not really, I’m open to anything. Like I said, if it’s with the English guys we’ve been to places for a cup of tea and some cakes, and with the Portuguese I’ve been out with them to Portuguese restaurants, and with the Spanish guys we’ve been out for dinner also. But I like to explore everything and can adapt to anything.
How much have you explored Wolverhampton?
I’ve been here a long time now, so I’ve seen a lot of the city. I really enjoy getting out and interacting with the fans. To me, that is the basics of being a footballer because the fans have always been good with me and the team and have given us a lot of time. The Wolves fans are some of the best fans, so I enjoy speaking with them outside of the pitch, and even when I see them in the street, they’re always giving me support and love, so I like to give that back.
