Eder Vilarchao doesn't want the time off he is having at the moment. He is working tirelessly to get back in form and strengthen his muscles. But time flies by. And the last 15 months have been a nightmare for him, but now it looks as if the nightmare is over. His passion for football has stopped him from throwing the towel in. 

 The ordeal has been terrible but now you're getting your smile back.  

Yes I do. The last year and three months have been terribly tough, the worst ever because I haven't been able to play football, the thing I most like in this world. Not so long ago I didn't even want to come to train because when I did, more often than not, I went home with a limp. Finally it looks as if things are working out and I can't wait…

The way he talks it gives you the impression that he is convinced that this has been the definitive operation.

With the previous two operations at the beginning he was happy but as the weeks went by the discomfort returned. This time, and from the very first day, I feel as if my ankle is free inside, I don't notice any limitations or discomfort.

Every day he works out with the Benito Villamarín Stadium in the background, where he had the chance to debut against Levante. How often have you dreamt about getting back out on that turf?

I'm sure you can imagine. Debuting in the Benito Villamarín Stadium was the best thing in my life. And I haven't been able to repeat that for a year and a half now. But I dreamt about it many times.

There has been some controversy about your injury during your recovery. Do you think the Club has supported you?

Yes I do. My debut was on 13 January 2013 and before then we were talking about my renovation. Shortly after I was injured, but the club went ahead with what they had promised anyway. They have got involved with the treatment of my injury but unfortunately the circumstances were complicated. I was getting ever more desperate, and so was the Club. But in the end we came to an agreement, they recommended I went to the best specialist, which is Mikel Sánchez, and he managed to put things right. I'm happy with the way they reacted and I think there are also happy with me. Now were all hoping that things will turn out fine and I'll be able to play again, which is what I want.

It's never a good idea to go rushing into things but if I were to ask you when we will see Eder back on form; What would you say?

In August. I was talking to Fran Molano this morning and I think in August I will be back on form. Even though I haven't played for a year you will see that I'm not a player with a tendency to put on weight, I keep fit. Throughout June and July would be recovering my physical fitness, and in August I will be 100%.

You had your debut in the First Division but you will return to a Real Betis in the Second Division. The team's collective failure this season is evident, but I imagine that the commitment and drive that Alexis is asking for from all the players who are to be with the team next season, you have more than your fair share…

My injury has helped me on many fronts. I have matured and no one wants to do well more than I do, whether that be in the First or Second Division. I want to help Betis get back into the division where they belong, and I'm going to be involved not 100% but 200%.

At any time during the last year have you ever thought about throwing in the towel?

If I were in my 30s I would have probably given up but it happened to me when I was 22/23, I have my whole career ahead of me, and football is my passion so I couldn't give in. In the end it looks as if everything has worked out well, and truth be known I feel very proud of myself.

I'm working three hours a day and soon I will start training mornings and afternoons. And also I'm only going to take six days off. 

That seems reasonable. It was me who said that I didn't want any time off. I'm going to use those days to spend some time with my family. I want to work and do things even though everyone else is on holiday. I have played football for a year and that's enough holidays for me.

You stood out in the reserves and you performed well in your debut but you didn't have time to confirm what looked like a very promising start. What is your ideal position and what can we expect from Vilarchao?

I play behind the striker as a playmaker, and I can fit in on either of the wings. I am an attacking midfielder. I would have liked to have more chance to prove myself. I have played some good matches in the reserves and I think my debut in the first team was okay, but in all honesty I would have liked to have been able to demonstrate more of my abilities and show what I will be able to do for Betis. Hopefully next season I will be able to do so from day one.