Armando Obispo is enjoying one of the strongest periods of his career at PSV, having established himself as a regular starter under Peter Bosz and earned an increasingly important role with the Curaçao national team.

The 27-year-old defender, who has spent almost his entire career in Eindhoven, spoke to Dutch and Belgian journalists on Tuesday ahead of PSV’s Champions League meeting with Club Brugge.

Among the subjects he addressed were his improved fitness, his partnership with Lutsharel Geertruida and the failed move to RC Lens that nearly brought his long association with PSV to an end.

Before discussing football, however, Obispo offered his condolences following the death of Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died after a serious challenge by the FC Andorra goalkeeper.

“My thoughts are with his family,” Obispo said.

On the pitch, Obispo has become an increasingly reliable presence in PSV’s defence. His performances this season suggest a player who has found greater consistency and confidence, something he attributes in part to improvements in his physical condition.

“I’ve felt better and fitter since last season,” he explained.

The defender was also asked whether his understanding with Geertruida, who has become his defensive partner, has contributed to his form.

Obispo believes their relationship has helped, although he was quick to stress that individual responsibility remains essential.

“It won’t explain everything, because you have to do the work yourself. But it’s certainly true that I have a good rapport with him, both on and off the pitch,” he said.

The partnership has given PSV another dependable defensive option as they prepare for a demanding European fixture against Club Brugge.

One of the more revealing parts of the interview concerned Obispo’s future at the club.

Despite his current importance to Bosz’s side, the defender came close to leaving PSV at the beginning of the season, with a move to French club RC Lens ultimately falling through at the last moment.

Obispo confirmed that discussions had taken place after the World Cup, but the proposed transfer never materialised.

“After the World Cup, I had several discussions and was close to a transfer, but it didn’t go through in the end,” he revealed, as quoted by Rik Elfrink of Eindhovens Dagblad.

Nevertheless, the defender insisted that the failed move did not leave him frustrated or affect his commitment to PSV. He was able to refocus quickly because he remained comfortable with his position at the club.

“I was able to switch my mindset quickly after that. It wasn’t too difficult for me, because I know what I have here at PSV,” Obispo explained.

“I didn’t feel a desperate need to leave, and staying here has never been a hardship.”

Obispo has been part of PSV since the age of seven, making his journey at the club particularly unusual in modern football. Aside from a loan spell at Vitesse, he has spent his entire career in Eindhoven.

For the defender, that long-standing connection has helped shape his mentality and understanding of what is expected at a club competing for major honours.

“Here, the expectation is always to become champions; you have to be hungry to win the title. After so many years at PSV, that’s truly ingrained in me,” he said.

Rather than viewing his lengthy stay as something unusual, Obispo believes it has given him confidence and a strong connection with the dressing room.

“It actually gives me confidence. I’ve had a hand in welcoming everyone currently in our squad.”

He also remains close to former PSV academy teammates Jordan Teze and Cody Gakpo, both of whom have since moved on from the Philips Stadion. The trio continue to keep in touch through a group chat.

“We still have a group chat where we talk about personal matters or current events happening in the world. They’ve known me for such a long time; when you know each other that well, you often don’t need many words,” Obispo added.

Obispo also explained why he believes his performances have improved in recent seasons.

A few years ago, he underwent surgery that affected him for an extended period. The experience prompted him to take an even more focused approach to his physical condition and his development as a professional footballer.

“A few years ago, I underwent surgery that caused me trouble for quite some time. Afterward, I began investing even more in my body and started taking football even more seriously than I already did,” he said.

“That has certainly helped.”

With his fitness improving, his place in the PSV starting XI increasingly secure and his international responsibilities growing, Obispo now has an opportunity to build on the progress he has made.

His immediate focus, however, will be Wednesday’s Champions League encounter with Club Brugge, where PSV will be counting on the defender’s growing experience and consistency.