Feyenoord striker Nacho Ferri has opened up about his development, his early career in Spain, and his adjustment to life in Rotterdam following a summer of significant squad changes at De Kuip. Speaking in the latest issue of FSV De Feijenoorder’s Hand in Hand Magazine, the 21-year-old forward detailed his path from a small village in Valencia to the Eredivisie, while also reflecting on the departure of fellow striker Ayase Ueda.
Early Years in Montaverner and Moving to Germany at Sixteen
Born Ignacio Ferri Julià, the forward grew up in Montaverner, a small village of roughly 1,500 residents in the Spanish province of Valencia. He took his first football steps at the local club simply to play alongside friends before passing through the youth academies of Ontinyent CF and UD Alzira as reported by FR12.nl.
At just sixteen years old, Ferri made the bold decision to leave Spain and join Eintracht Frankfurt. According to the player’s interview details, the move was designed to broaden his horizons beyond athletics. He spent his early years living in the club’s academy far from family and friends while continuing his education via online classes from Spain. After progressing through the Under-19 and reserve teams, he reached the senior squad during his third year in Germany, where he experienced professional football at a high level and scored a goal.
Loan Spells in Belgium and Contact with Feyenoord
Before arriving in Rotterdam, Ferri gained valuable senior experience through loan spells in Belgium. He scored eight goals for KV Kortrijk during a challenging campaign that ultimately ended in relegation. Subsequently, he joined KVC Westerlo on loan, describing it as a step upward where he enjoyed a strong individual run before missing out narrowly on Conference League qualification.
During his time at Westerlo, Ferri caught the attention of Feyenoord technical director Dévy Rigaux. After scoring twice against Club Brugge, Ferri held a brief conversation with Rigaux, establishing a connection that later facilitated his move to the Dutch club.
Stepping Up After Ayase Ueda’s Departure
Ferri’s role within the Feyenoord squad shifted following the transfer of Ayase Ueda to LOSC Lille. Rather than expressing satisfaction at the exit of a direct competitor, Ferri praised the Japanese forward’s impact during their brief time training together.
“I am not happy, because he was a fantastic player. He helped us enormously,” Ferri told Hand in Hand Magazine. He added that Ueda had provided valuable tips during training sessions, leaving shoes that Ferri now aims to fill on his own terms.
Playing Style and Ambitions at De Kuip
Describing his on-field attributes, Ferri profiles himself as a physical and relatively fast striker who excels in duels, holds up the ball for teammates, and looks to attack open spaces. While satisfied with his start in Rotterdam despite a few dropped points, the young Spaniard emphasizes that he continues to work daily on improving his finishing in front of goal.
Ferri has expressed immediate admiration for the atmosphere at De Kuip, calling the stadium environment impressive from day one. Looking ahead at his targets for the campaign, he aims to surpass his personal tally of eleven goals from the previous season while capturing silverware with Feyenoord.
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