Alexia: “Every award I win makes me want to train more”

It is from another planet. Or, at least, that is how all the fans who have ever been lucky enough to see her with the ball at her feet feel. Alexia Putellas (27 years old, Mollet del Vallès, Barcelona) stands as the great star of Spanish and world women’s football. An icon that has forged through effort, talent and a lot of football. With the Barça DNA as a flag and with the pride of whom they compare him with his great idol of all time, Xavi Hernández, Alexia has known how to dodge obstacles to reach the top of football, in which He captained Barça to the historic triplet (League, Champions and Cup) and in which he looks like a great figure and captain of the Spanish National Team

The Molletense has lived a few dreamlike months, being awarded as the Best Player of the Year by UEFA and with the Ballon d’Or. They have not been the only awards that Alexia has received, which have become the great reference for girls , and they will not be the last. The Barça midfielder, also nominated for The Best, will receive the AS Sports Award. After this recognition, the Catalan player attends AS and shows that she has very clear ideas and great ambition. Let the world prepare. The Alexia phenomenon is here to stay.

He comes from several interviews and he does not stop attending events, how is he?

Good. Good (smiles). I handle it well.

UEFA Best Player of the Year, Ballon d’Or … How do you feel?

I am very happy and content for all this. And every award I win makes me want to train more.

After such a fantastic year, this AS Sports Award couldn’t be more deserved. How do you receive it?

These have been very exciting and intense days, with many recognitions. Although it is true that I always say that all this comes thanks to the collective work in an incredible 2021, because I think so, this award makes a special illusion for what it means and seeing the rest of the winners of the year and previous editions. It is a great honor to receive you and I am very grateful.

What do you think about in the midst of this success?

I don’t stop to think much. I try to normalize everything that is happening. I just keep working to be better every day.

What has this Ballon d’Or meant?

It has been incredible. The last image we had of a Spaniard winning this award was 60 years ago with Luis Suárez. That a woman has won it again says a lot and leaves a very, very good image of Spanish women’s football. This Ballon d’Or reflects where we want to be and where we are going. I am sure that more Spanish women will win it again.

She is a favorite at The Best, does she have room for such an award?

(Laughter) Yes. Yes. There is always room for that.

At the work level, what is behind these awards?

Every time they give me an individual award, I think of my colleagues. I also have to thank my family, who have always been by my side and have made sacrifices so that I can live this, the fans and the club, which has always believed in me.

Last season he added 29 goals and 24 assists, what is the secret of this level?

There are many things, but mainly everything comes because they have given me the opportunity to invest in myself all the time that I think I need in terms of work. There is also the fact that I am not satisfied with anything and I make the most of each year. This happens very fast.

Barça win 1-10, 8-1 … What do you think of them saying that they lose interest in the League?

I don’t care about those criticisms. My way of understanding this is that I am not going to stop until the last minute. If the whole team arrives until the last minute giving 200%, it is a good habit that you may need in a final, for example. It’s our way of looking at it and it’s working.

Are we already talking about Spain as a world female power?

I don’t know whether to call ourselves power, but it is true that we are on the right track. This is the result of the good work and mentality that exists in the National Team. We are on the right track to that goal, which is to win titles with the National Team as well. We believe in an idea and we know how to carry it out well. And, now more than ever, we are competing very, very well.

Do you see it possible to win the European Championship this summer?

There is still a long way to go and it will be long I think. At the Euro Cup we have Germany in our group, who have won seven Euro Cups. We only have a third place that we got in 1997. You have to have a lot of respect. I think it will be a Euro Cup that will be very close, that there are many teams at a high level. I think that we are on a good path.

The Barça players are the majority in the National Team. After winning everything with the Barça team, are you more motivated to win something with the National Team?

Yes. We have it between eyebrows. We are very excited about getting a title with the National Team and we know what is necessary to be able to aspire to it. It takes many hours and gives everything, in terms of enthusiasm, mentality and everything. We have experienced that because it is what has led us to win a Champions League. We want the same to happen here this season that ends in the European Championship and the next that ends in the World Cup. If fate wants, finish the cycle in Paris.

Despite the success of football, why do you think there are still people who want to leave this category and do not want it to grow?

Those people already tire me. They take a lot of energy from me and I prefer to save it to play. I don’t know why they do it, but the solution is as easy as changing the channel if they don’t like women’s football. But you have to give the opportunity to all who want to consume and party. If there is demand to see a game, it has to be broadcast. They are things that little by little are changing. People who do not add, to move away.

Do you feel pressure or anxiety about having to keep winning?

No way. On the contrary. I have never felt that anxiety. Where I feel best is in the field. In sport you have to be clear that there are three scenarios: win, lose or draw. The moment you eliminate one, you no longer train in the same way. If you do not eliminate any, you have that motivation that you have to improve because you can lose. I live with that feeling constantly.

A few years ago he said that they did not recognize him on the street …

Now it has changed a lot (laughs). I try to answer everyone, but sometimes it is not possible and I hope you understand.

What is Alexia Putellas like?

They say I have a lot of character, but what I have is things very clear. I do not like wasting time. I have clear goals and I also try to be clear about the path. I’m going to death with that and I try to be very confident in every step.

They compare you with Xavi, can you imagine being the coach of the women’s team?

I have a lot left as a player to catch up with Xavi player. And much more still to get to catch up with Xavi coach. Step by step and let it be what destiny wants.

What do you ask of the year 2022?

Professionally, I ask you to repeat yourself and continue enjoying football as you do now.