#can the World Cup come now done with club football
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Fuck sake 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
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Healing (Alexia Putellas x reader)
A/N: This took me a lot longer to finish than I hoped but it’s done. Grab a drink and get comfy because it’s a long one, in fact I think it’s my longest fic to date.
The world had its questions and you were well aware of the headlines.
Y/N Y/L/N quits football.
Where is Y/N Y/L/N? Here's what we know.
The best in the world has vanished.
If you find Y/N tell her Sarina is looking for her.
The last twelve months had been the hardest in your life. You thought you could prepare for it, that it would easier because you knew it was coming but that wasn't the case. The day it happened was the day your heart broke and as you buried her you knew you were burying part of yourself too.
You left the world speculating as to why you didn't extend your contract with Lyon, why you never signed for another club and more importantly people were wondering where you had disappeared to.
Both your club and country team mates knew about your personal life and the tragedy that happened shortly after the euros.
You missed football, of course you did, but you also needed to take time away to process what had happened. A return date was never set but then the world cup happened. You watched your team mates cry after losing to Spain and you couldn't help but feel partially responsible. The game might have ended differently if you had played.
A decision had been made. It was time to return to the pitch. You had offers before and after the euros. The only question is what teams would still want you?
The sun was setting in Barcelona as the team finished up a late training session. Most of the players stayed behind to take advantage of the free food given they knew once they got home they wouldn't have the energy to cook themselves.
“Lucy your phone is ringing” Ona shouts over to where the English defender is filling her plate.
“Who is it?” Lucy replies.
Ona’s face floods with guilt. Almost as if she shouldn’t be looking at the phone. This sparks interest of those around her but no one more than Keira who sees the name on the screen.
“Y/N” Lucy all but ran back to table after hearing Keira say your name “is everything ok? Where are you? Yes I’m with Lucy. Before I hand you over promise me that you’re ok? Good”
Keira hands over the phone and watches Lucy’s face as she tries to figure out why you called and what you are talking about.
“Yes there are people around me. Ok, I’ll ask”
When you hang up the phone Lucy does as you ask or at least she makes the first step.
“Alexia” Lucy walks around to where the captain is sat with Mapi and Ingrid “Who would I talk about signing a new player?”
“It’s not our job to recruit players but if you know something that might help the club then tell me and I will ask” Alexia wasn’t stupid. She heard your name and now Lucy was asking this. It wasn’t a coincidence.
“I can’t. This is a sensitive subject”
“Vale. Talk to Jona and if he thinks the player is right for the club then he can set up a meeting”
Alexia left the training facility that night thinking of you. You were at the peak of your career, many people considered you the best in the world and if she is being honest she thought you would win the Balon d’Or, not her. That night Alexia watched your highlights for hours, even the ones in the games against her. You really were a once in a generation player which makes it that much harder for Alexia to understand why you walked off the pitch at Wembley and hadn’t been seen on one since.
The next day at training the energy felt different. Lucy and Keira had a sense of happiness that their team mates hadn’t seen before. They would gather around Lucy’s phone but then hide it when somebody came close to them.
Jona came walking into the gym with Xavi Puig right behind him and called over both Keira and Lucy. A couple of players watch the conversation unfold and tried their hardest to read their lips.
“Ingrid, what are they saying?” Mapi nudges her girlfriend.
“They’re talking about Y/N Y/L/N” Alexia was stretching on the floor playing no part in the eavesdropping.
“How do you know?” Ingrid asks her.
“She called Lucy yesterday and then Lucy talked to me about the club signing a new player. I can’t know for sure but that’s what I think is going on”
A couple of days later you landed in Barcelona, greeted by the warm weather and your two England team mates who kept a low key appearance in the arrivals hall. You stop when you are a meter away them. You didn’t know what to do, you hadn’t seen them in almost a year.
“Come here” Lucy throws her arms around you followed by Keira.
“We’re so happy to see you Y/N. We really have missed you”
You remain quiet as you walk to the car. Both of them fill you in on what the team is like and you make sure to remind them that you haven’t officially signed yet.
“Jona mentioned that. You want a trial training session?”
“It’s the right thing to do” you didn’t want any special treatment. You wanted to earn the right to play for the club and not just be handed the contract.
“You could have not played football for 5 years and still run rings round all of us” Lucy knows you the most having played with her at both club and country. You were too humble in her eyes so she took it upon herself to remind you of your greatness from time to time.
“I never said I haven’t played football. That has been the thing to get me through the past 10 months” you didn’t mean to be a downer, in fact you didn’t know what you were saying until it was too late.
“How are you doing?” Keira asks from the front seat and you see Lucy eyeing you up in rear view mirror.
“Some days are harder than others and no day has been easy. She would be happy that I’m here though. She always said that if I didn’t go back to England then she’d want us to come here”
You couldn’t bring yourself to say her name.
“She always did hate the french winters” Lucy laughs at the memories she shared with your wife.
Your mind goes back to just a couple of years ago. Lyon were playing at home and the weather was awful. You saw Natalia in the crowd shivering but still she cheered you on, she always was your biggest fan. Come rain or shine, your girl was in the audience. You hated the thought of playing without her being in the crowd but you also knew she wouldn’t want to give up your career.
“Y/N” Keira gently nudged your knee. It was obvious that you were taking a trip down memory lane and she didn’t want to scare you.
“Huh” you quickly wiped away a tear “Oh we’re here” you grabbed your backpack and jumped out of the car leaving them in the front not knowing what to do.
“Let’s leave her be. She knows we are here and will come to us when she’s ready”
You were in awe as you walked the halls of Joan Camper. The things the team has achieved were that of greatness. It was a club that created legacys and you found yourself feeling something that you hadn’t in a long time; excitement.
Lucy and Keira lead you to the locker room just as they were instructed to. The rest of the team were already out of the field which was part of the plan. There hanging in a corner locker was a training kit for you. You didn’t expect it and you definitely didn’t expect to have been given your number.
“You did this?” You ask the pair.
“Salma did. The team knows you called Lucy and when Salma heard to locker room rumours of you joining she insisted. Between us she is a big fan of yours, bigger than Luce”
“Not possible” the defender joked.
The boots were fastened and you were ready, well almost ready. There was one thing you wasn’t prepared for. You looked down at your necklace. It was a simple gold chain that held two rings: yours and Talia’s.
“I can’t do it” you slumped down in defeat and bury your face in your hands.
“Hey” Lucy crouches down in front of you “they let us wear jewellery for training, you can keep them on”
You walked out onto the field and all eyes fell on you. You felt like a spectacle and you hated the attention. They didn’t know the current version of you, they had only met the old Y/N so you channel her and introduce yourself to them during the next drinks break.
“I know some of us have met as opponents but this is different. I’m Y/N, it’s a pleasure to meet you all, I hope I can keep up” you make a joke hoping to avoid the elephant in the room.
“We’ll see about that. I’m Alexia” She is the first person to you.
“Lovely to meet you Alexia”
It’s hard to explain the feeling when you’re playing football. It’s as if you mind switches off whilst also been completely focused. It take a few attempts to get into the rhythm that is Barcelona football but you catch on quickly. It comes as no shock to the rest of the team that you play in complete sync with Lucy and Keira. The two of them even stay back at the end to work with you on some movements that you weren’t pleased with.
Some players go shower but a few stay behind, albeit out of sight, and watch you.
“She has a gift” Alexia says to nobody in particular.
“Nobody has seen her in over a year and this is how she is playing. Look, she is running rings around them. How is that possible?” Patri adds.
“Does anybody know where she was?” Pina asks the small group.
“No but I could ask Ingrid or Caro to ask Ada. They are best friends and surely you would tell your best friend where you are going” Mapi forms a plan in her head, one that she will soon find out to be a bad idea.
“Do it” Alexia tells the defender “We are a family here and if she joins us then we have a right to know where she has been”
When Barcelona posted a photo of you signing a contract on their socials the world went crazy. The media were relentless and the fans were quick to show their support for you even though some were skeptical about your sudden reappearance and new team.
You ignored them for the most part as they had no idea what had happened. You fit into the team almost right away and was enjoying every game with Barcelona. You scored on your debut and had been involved in a goal every game since. Months had passed and much to your surprise you had only been asked about the missing year once or twice.
Caro refused to ask Ada about you and Ingrid only did when her girlfriend became obsessed with finding out the truth. Ada’s answer was simple ‘I won’t tell you and if she doesn’t want you to know then you should respect her wishes’.
You remained a mystery though and for the most part the team seemed to forget about your missing year.
When the second international window came that is when things changed and you felt like you made a friend. Mapi still wasn’t representing her country so she reached out and asked if you wanted to meet up for a coffee.
Anybody could easily be intimidated by the blonde but you liked her. She had this energy that made you know accepting her invite was a no brainer. That and you had questions of your own.
“How did you know?”
Mapi places down a a small coffee in a glass; a cortado.
“I asked Keira what you ordered”
A comfortable silence took over as the two of you sipped on your coffees. You found it funny the way Mapi looked at you then her coffee and back to you again. You recognised the signs; you were making her nervous. Why though you had no idea.
You decide to make the first move and you get straight to the point much to the defender’s surprise.
“I spoke with Ada”
This got her attention. You had your suspicions but the look on her face confirmed it. Still, she played along.
“That’s nice. You’re very close, no?” Mapi tried her best to look innocent but you weren’t having any of it and the look on your face told her that.
“She had an interesting conversation with Ingrid. Do you happen to know anything about this?”
She did. You know she did.
“No” you got a sheepish look from Mapi and you wondered if she knew how unconvincing she was being.
“I think you did. I think you got Ingrid to ask Ada about me”
“Lo siento”
“Here’s the thing I don’t understand. I know you all want to know, you’ve been whispering about me for months yet not one of you has come to me and asked me directly. You have been going behind my back trying to dig up information about a time that I clearly don’t want to talk about”
Mapi dips her head. She truly thought that her and the team were been careful but obviously not.
“Maria, I want you to put yourself in my shoes. Would you want to talk about it with strangers when you barely talk to your best friends about it?”
The defender thinks about it for a moment. You had barely left Lucy and Keira’s side but she hadn’t really heard you talking, you were always listening to what they were saying and replying when necessary.
“It was bad wasn’t it?” She asks.
“The worse year of my life” you confess and you can your throat close at the thought of the months in question.
“We are in jail?”
You cannot help but chuckle at her words.
“No, I was not in jail”
“Did you kill somebody?”
“No, I did not kill anybody”
“So no crimes were committed?”
“Is that what you have all come up with? That I broke the law?”
“Most of us, yes. Aitana think’s you were in the hospital because you were sick”
Her response came at the worst time possible. You spit your coffee out when you hear the midfielder’s suspicion.
Technically she was right. You were in the hospital but you weren’t in the hospital.
“I wasn’t sick”
“Clearly. Look at you, you’re huge. I mean you are big. No, you are strong”
“Calm down Mapi, I know what you mean. Thank you”
The two of you stay in the cafe for another hour. You take this time just the two of you getting to know one another. You ask Mapi about her tattoos and she learn’s you have a few of your own which are hidden on your back. When she asks for their meaning you promise you will tell her the stories another time.
You both walk to the metro station and by coincidence you end up of the same train. You get off before her and just before the door opens, Mapi grabs your hand.
“I’ll get them to stop. You don’t owe us an explanation, Y/N”
“Thank you Maria”
You’re not sure what the tattooed defender said but the whispers stopped or so you thought. They stopped whispering in front of you but little did you know the speculations were still going on behind your back. It is early in December when things come to a head and you snapped.
“What do you mean she is staying Spain?” Alexia asked Salma.
“That she is staying her in Barcelona. She said she might go to Valencia for a few days but that’s it” the forward wasn’t sure what to say or if she should have said anything at all.
“And you don’t think that is strange? This is woman who used to love England. The fans called her Queen of England, por dios. How can she be apart of this team if we know nothing about her. She is lying to us” Alexia ranted on and who knew how much longer she would have continued if not for Lucy interrupting her.
“Alexia, that is enough!” Lucy slams her fist on the locker before turning to her captain “She has come to this team and done nothing but good. She plays well for us and gives it her all on the pitch. Off it she makes the effort and yes sometimes she says no to things but isn’t that her right? You stand there as our captain but look at you, you’re nothing but a bully. I am ashamed to say i’m your team mate right now. That girl has been through hell these past couple of years and since coming here all you keep doing is reminding her of what has happened. You are obsessed with her. Look around, no one else is digging for information. No one is making her uncomfortable on a daily basis”
“She is lying to us. She won’t tell us where she was for over a year. She is hiding something and that isn’t fair on us” Alexia tried to defend her actions.
“Isn’t fair? Are you really that self centred? You have no right to talk about what is and is not fair. I don’t care if you are my captain, I won’t stand by you while you treat my best friend like she has done something wrong. You, Alexia, are a —“
“Lucy” The whole locker room turns upon hearing your voice “I have given up on Alexia, it’s time you do too”
“No! I won’t let her talk about you that way. You don’t deserve this”
“No I don’t but —“
“Y/N” Lucy begs you to let her fight you case.
“Walk away Lucy”
A stare down takes place between you and Lucy. A few seconds later the defender grabs her stuff and leaves the room. To everyone else you are calm and collected but Keira recognises the look in your eye, you are furious.
“I want everyone to listen to me and listen good. My past is none of your business. To those who have let the obsession go, thank you. To those that haven’t” you look Alexia dead in the eye “I want nothing to do with you. I will remain civil on the pitch. Other than that I ask you to stay away from me. That’s if you can respect my wishes. I know it has been hard so far”
You quietly gather your things and try to ignore the multiple sets of eyes on you. With each second you can feel your chest getting tighter and you know it is only a matter second before you will no longer be able to control your breathing. You just needed to get out of there, away from prying eyes.
The hallway is the furthest you get. Your mind was filled of flashbacks, the moments that you tried so hard to bury. The past was not a pretty place, not the last year, but you know that it was only a matter of time before it came crashing down on you.
“Y/N, are you ok?” Mapi and Ingrid are by your side, clearly the couple had left just after you.
“Natalia, she, she”
Ingrid and Mapi shared a look, who was Natalia? They had never heard you mention a Natalia before. Both of them didn’t know what to do. Whilst you had become friends with the pair, they didn’t know you well enough to cope with this moment.
Luckily for them Keira appears out of nowhere. The English woman clearly equipped with what to do.
“Get Lucy, now!” She whisper shouted and Ingrid goes running hoping to catch the defender before she leaves.
“Keira—Natalia”
“I know, I know. We can talk about her later if you want. Right now, I need to focus on me. Can you do that?”
You nod your head as tears flow down your cheeks.
“What happened?” Lucy rushes over to you.
“We found her on the floor. She kept talking about Natalia”
“She told you?” Lucy asks shocked. She knew you wasn’t ready to tell them team but in a state of panic you might be let it slip.
“No. She only said her name” Mapi says. She couldn’t take her eyes off you. This wasn’t a panic attack, no she had seen one of those before. This was something much more intense.
A few minutes pass and Keira manages to keep your breathing under control but you’re still not ready to move. Lucy, Mapi and Ingrid stay close making sure to tell anyone who passes to keep moving.
“What is going on?” Alexia asks with concern, a concern that doesn’t reach Lucy in fact her asking is the worst thing she could have done.
“Get away from her” Lucy is up on her feet and pushing Alexia backwards. She would has fallen to the floor if not for the wall behind her “This is all your fault. You see this, you see her, this is what you have done to her”
“Lucy” you reach up and take her hand. The defender used her strength to pull you up.
You, Lucy, Keira, Mapi and Ingrid walk towards the exit of the stadium.
“Y/N” Alexia’s voice is soft and it is only now that she realises she might have taken things too far.
You turn around to face the Catalonian. For the first time since arriving you make no effort to hide the pain you have felt on a daily basis.
“I want nothing to do with you Alexia”
A week had passed and Alexia started to worry about you more so than she wanted to let on. Lucy and Keira were visibly worried about you and kept an eye on you at all times. She was confused at how things got this bad. Yes, she knew that maybe things had been taken too far but you didn’t show rage, your energy radiated nothing. You were numb. The Barcelona captain had no idea how to make things right with you.
You wore a smile on your face in front of the cameras and fans but behind closed doors it’s liked you switched your emotions off. Alexia asked Mapi about you but it seemed that even her closest friend was on your side. The zaragozian and her girlfriend had become close with you since the incident and Alexia didn’t understand why.
One night she found herself knocking on Mapi’s door hoping to find out how things got so bad.
When the captain was let in there is an evident scowl on Ingrid’s face which Alexia did not expect. The Norwegian excuses herself stating that she needed to go to the supermarket.
“Mentiroso” Alexia says to herself.
“Watch it Alexia. She has her reasons” Mapi jumped to her girlfriend’s defence.
Mapi leads Alexia over to the kitchen table and gets a glass of water for the two of them.
“You’re here about Y/N, aren’t you?” her captain nods “I don’t know what to tell you. What happened in the locker room was bad Ale. We didn’t leave the stadium when you thought we did. Y/N used everything in her to make sure Lucy didn’t do something she would regret. I don’t know what happened during those months but whatever we think it is, it’s so much worse. I shouldn’t be telling you this but she kept mentioning Natalia, I don’t know who that is but I think something happened to her”
Alexia thought she felt guilty about the way things went down with the two of you but that failed in comparison to how she was feeling now. To think that you were grieving someone and her questions were it worse for you, well it made her feel ashamed.
She knew that she hadn’t been the most welcoming. Yes, you and her got a long on the pitch and yes, you were ok at training but she hadn’t made the effort she should have to make you feel at home in Barcelona.
“I don’t know how to fix it Mapi. You know I like her, I think she is amazing—“
“You were her biggest fan” the blonde teased
“But what if I’ve ruined any chance for being friends with her? What if what I’ve done is undoable?” Alexia ignores Mapi comment seen as though she knows she cannot deny it.
Mapi was at a loss for words. She always has had her friend’s back but there was something about you which made her want to protect you and Alexia was someone that you needed protection from.
“You need to give her space Alexia. This week alone I have seen you walk towards her then walk away at least 6 times. Y/N even asked me why you were doing it. You’re making the girl feel uncomfortable”
Alexia mentally scolded herself for her behaviour which in her defence she did not think anyone noticed.
“So space?” Alexia asks.
“Space” Mapi confirmed.
Alexia found it hard at first because she wanted nothing more than to make things right with you but she did as suggested, she gave you space. She saw you start to come out of your shell a bit more as December rolled on. The day game before the Christmas break you were playing in Madrid and that is when Alexia heard you discussing your winter plans with Keira.
“Keira, that’s a sweet offer but I’m sure. I’m going to stay in Barcelona, it is my home now”
The Catalonian took a little comfort in knowing you had grown the love her city despite the hostile behaviour.
“Y/N, it’s Christmas. She would want you to be home for that” your friend asked.
“I don’t know if I can handle going back for Christmas. It would hurt too much”
It felt wrong for Alexia to eavesdrop on your conversation so she leaves out of respect.
“She wouldn’t want you to avoid England. The two of you spent years in France and both of you said coming home to England was your favourite thing to do”
“Keira, stop. It was our favourite thing. There is no more our, no us. It’s just me”
Keira could see your hands shaking. This is the first sign of your panic attack so she drops the subject. She does suggest you going away with them for new years and you said you would as long as it isn’t in the UK or France.
The team had one last recovery session before the winter break and it’s safe to say when it was done everyone was more than happy to go home. You wished everyone a Merry Christmas and without knowing it, Alexia is included.
“Feliz Navidad Alexia, por tu y tu familia”
“Gracias Y/N”
To Alexia this was a gift in itself. Maybe you were opening up to idea of forgiving her. After that you quickly grab your stuff and run off to where Ingrid was waiting for you.
After that interaction, Alexia couldn’t stop thinking about you. She also thought she was hallucinating when she saw your name appear on her phone screen. In the rush of leaving the training facility you picked up the wrong bag, only realising when got home a few hours later and your shirt had an 11 on instead of a 7. You texted Alexia asking if you could meet up to get your stuff back. Alexia, at that point was already at her mother’s house so she sent you that address and told her mum that you were coming over.
You tried to ease your nervous as you drove to your captain’s mother’s house. It was going to be awkward, this much you knew but regardless of the place you and Alexia were in, you wanted to make a good impression on her family.
The knock was gentle as you stop on the door step.
“Y/N, hola. Adelante”
You didn’t know that word meant but you put two and two together and guessing in meant come in so that is what you did. Eli leads you to the living room after telling Alba to go get her sister. Eli headed back into the kitchen and left you in the living room. You didn’t want to take a seat, it wasn’t that kind of visit so you looked around and a wall of photos gains your attention.
Alexia couldn’t have been more than 7 years old. She was adorable. Next to her stood her younger sister and behind her, her parents. You didn’t recognise the man so you assume Alexia’s father works away a lot as you have never seen him at a game.
“That’s Jaume, Alexia and Alba’s father” Your cheeks flush in embarrassment at being caught stooping.
“And your husband” you turn to face the woman “I haven’t seen him around, does he work in a different city?”
“Jaume passed away a little over ten years ago”
She is a widow, like you. That is the first thing you thought. In that moment you had so many questions for her but this is a woman you had only just met. It’s not exactly the small talk she would be expecting. The two of you go quiet and you guess she is thinking about her lost love, just as you are thinking about yours.
Alexia comes downstairs, your bag in hand but stops at the door was upon seeing you in conversation with her mother. Alba nudges her forward but she doesn’t move. The two of them watch you.
“Does it ever get easier?” The question was out of your mouth before you could stop it.
The two sisters share a look. They had no idea what you were talking about and by their mother’s response, she didn’t either.
“Que?” As expected, the question catches Eli off guard.
“Living without the person who promised you forever” you turn to face the older woman with tears falling down your cheek.
“Oh Querida, come here”
You feel comfort in her arms and for a brief few seconds you forget that she is a stranger. In this moment she is someone who understands your pain and that is more than enough for you. When you pull away you see Alexia and Alba, you feel extremely exposed.
“Hi. You must be Alba” you wipe the last of your tears and extend your hand towards the younger Putellas.
She swats away your hand and pulls you into a hug.
“So formal” Alba laughs “you’re even hotter in person”
“Alba!” Both Eli and Alexia scold her.
“What? I’m being honest”
“Thank you, I think. Is that mine?” You point the bad Alexia is holding.
“Yes. Sorry for the mix up”
“No, no. It was my fault. I was running late for dinner with Ingrid. I left yours in the hall as I wasn’t sure where to put it”
Alexia stared at you almost as if frozen in place.
“Was I not suppose to do that? I can go get it for you”
“This is the most you’ve spoken to me since joining” Alexia was honest with what she was thinking.
“It must be the Christmas air” you laugh a little “speaking of, you three clearly have plans so I will leave you be”
Eli tries to get you to stay but you can’t. The woman knew too much and even though shared the same pain, you knew it was only a matter of time before the pity eyes came. You also didn’t know how much the two sisters had heard.
Alexia asked and asked what the you and her mother were talking about but the woman refused to tell. The only answer Alexia got was to be careful with you and that not all is as it seems. It seemed to be enough for Alexia but she wasn’t giving up on you, not just yet.
She kept an eye on you over the Christmas break and just as you said you stayed in Barcelona. Alexia all but stalked your Instagram and even went as far as texting you some recommendations. You felt something towards the midfielder and it made you think that you might have been a little harsh on her. You made a mental reminder to speak to her once the break was over.
The first game back was away to Bilbao and it brought you the perfect opportunity to speak to Alexia as the two of you were roomed together. It was late by the time you got there so everyone went straight to their room.
“Oh Y/N I don’t know what happened” Alexia says as she swiped the room key.
“What are you �� oh I see”
There was only one bed, albeit a large double bed.
You hadn’t shared a bed in almost a year and you wasn’t sure if you were ready for it. Now you had to find a way to explain this to Alexia.
“I’ll sleep on the floor” Alexia suggests and even though you weren’t ready, you also knew you wasn’t going to let her do that.
“Alexia you are one of the most important players on the team. I cannot let you sleep on the floor. Take the bed, I’ll take the floor”
“Y/N, you are important too. You are our highest goal scorer. I am taking the floor, don’t argue with your captain”
She refused to take no for an answer and you hated it. When you came out the shower Alexia was on the floor and it looked awful. It was almost funny and you couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Don’t say anything. Bed” Alexia laughed along with you.
The room was dark except from the street lights then peaked through the curtains. Sleep wasn’t coming easy to you and by the sounds of tossing and turning, Alexia was struggling too.
“Alexia, come sleep in the bed” The thought of having someone sleep next to you wasn’t something you necessarily wanted but Alexia sleeping on the floor wasn’t fair.
“I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable”
There was something in her tone. She wasn’t talking about sharing the bed with a team mate, she was talking about sharing a bed in general.
“She told you” Eli had to have told alexia about your conversation.
“Who?” Alexia asked even though she knew you were talking about her mother.
“Your mother. She told you about what I said”
“I asked but she didn’t tell me anything. I’m sorry that something happened to your friend”
You sat up upon hearing her condolences.
“My friend. What are you talking about?”
Alexia, now sat up too, looked at you as if saying you know what I’m talking about.
“Natalia?”
She said her name. Nobody had said her name. They knew it would cause too much pain.
In that moment you are brought back to the last time someone said her name. It was the 5 November 2023 in a hospice not to far from your shared home in London. Natalia was the strongest woman you knew and no one would ever come close to her in your eyes. Yet just after Euros she told you that her time was coming, that the cancer was starting to win. You begged her to fight, you weren’t ready to lose her but you knew that you had been on borrowed time for many many years. The last person to say her name was a nurse as your wife took her final breath before she was called home.
“She was my wife” you could feel your nose twitch as a ball of emotion built in your throat. You knew the day was coming when you talked about her but you didn’t think it would come in Bilbao with Alexia now sitting at the foot of your bed.
The Catalonian knew she heard you correctly but she still sat in disbelief. She had no idea you were dating anyone let alone you were married. Alexia could do nothing but watch as you bury your head in your hand as your body racks with sobs. She wants to hug you, to hold you and to tell you to let it out but you weren’t that close.
When you aggressively wipe your eyes you notice Alexia looking prettified and you cannot help but burst of into a fit of giggles.
“I’m going to go get Lucy or Keira or anyone else who isn’t me” your captain panics and makes a bee line for the door. She is stopped in her tracks as your hand grabs her wrist.
“You don’t have to”
She didn’t believe you and that was made obvious as her eyes dart back and forward between you and the door.
“Isn’t this what you have been wanting? To know why I walked away” you pat the side of the bed next to you.
You saw the hesitation is Alexia’s eyes. In that moment she wanted to respect your boundaries and you appreciated that but for the first time in a while the thought of talking about Natalia didn’t make you feel like you would break.
Once she sat down you turn to face you and you saw the look many people had given you. She felt sorry for you.
“I didn’t know you were married”
“Not many people did. We never hid anything. If you look you’ll see her in a lot of photos, she always supported me” you get comfy knowing that this is going to be a long conversation “I’m a private person and all I ever wanted to do was protect her”
In that moment Alexia understood for she too was a private person. She knew that she was in the limelight but she still kept herself to herself off the pitch.
“How did she—“ Alexia stopped talking as soon as she realised what she was about to ask “sorry, I shouldn’t have said that”
“Leukemia” you closed your eyes, took a deep breath and counted to three “she first got it when she was six. We used to take the day off school to go to the hospital. She would call me her emotional support friend” you laugh as you remember the way she made you wear a badge “she won the battle only for it to come back when she was 16 then again at 28. The third battle was the hardest for her and it was the one she lost”
Alexia caught the way you couldn’t look at her whilst you talked about the hardest times of your wife’s life.
“She sounds like a strong woman”
“Oh she was the strongest. She went through so much yet you never would have known it. Natalia had this heart that was big enough to like up the whole world. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. She supported me in the youths teams, was in the stands when I made my Arsenal debut and moved to France with me when I signed for Lyon. She said she’s followed me everywhere because she knew I’d be lost with her”
When Alexia sees you laughing, she joins in too.
“Things got bad just before the euros. I was so close to withdrawing but she begged me to go. She wanted to see me lift that trophy and I did, I did it for her. I didn’t know how bad it was until afterwards and I made the decision to be by her side. We did all the things on her bucket list. A couple of months later she couldn’t fight it anymore. Her strength was gone and the light was barely there. I was able to be by her side as she took her last breath”
Alexia didn’t stop you as you got off the bed and made your way towards the window. She could tell by the way your hand went straight to your face that you were crying.
“You wanted to know why I walked about?” You turned to face her and in that moment, knowing what she did, Alexia felt guilty. Guilty for reminding you of the loss you had suffered.
“I walked away because I didn’t feel like I had a purpose. For so many years I played for her. I scored to see a smile on her face and I won my trophies so that I can give her my medals. I couldn’t return to Lyon without her and it felt wrong being in England”
“Y/N I’m —“
“Don’t tell me you’re sorry. You didn’t kill her, the cancer did”
You hated it when people told you they were sorry for your loss. Why? Why are they sorry? You heard it so many times that it made you numb.
Alexia could tell that you were feeling a lot right now. She wanted to be there if you wanted to talk more about Natalia but she also knew the importance of changing the subject when it’s needed.
“Can I ask you a question?” She looked at you with a sincere gaze.
“You can. Is it about Na—“
Alexia shakes her head.
“Why Barcelona?”
It is a question that she had been desperate to know. You have now told her why you weren’t ready to go back to Lyon but plenty of teams would have offered you a contract if you announced your return.
“I said it wasn’t about her but turns out it was. Talia loved Spain and Barcelona was her favourite place. I honestly thought I would retire at Lyon but she always said that if she could pick a team I play for them she would choose Barcelona. When I decided to come back, it felt right to sign for Barcelona. Also, Lucy and Keira are here. As you have seen, I have depended on them quite a bit and I knew that it wouldn’t be easy so having someone who knew made everything easier”
You could see Alexia processing what you had told her.
“I’m happy you don’t play for Lyon anymore”
“Yeah, you might be able to beat them now”
Alexia stared you down and you wondered what her next move would be. Turns out you didn’t have to wait long because a pillow soon smacked you in the face.
You both burst into laughter when the pillow fight turns competitive.
“We really should be getting some sleep” Alexia says as she stands.
You took a second to think.
“You can sleep in the bed Alexia. I won’t freak out you know”
“Y/N I can’t. Not now”
“Oh stop. I’m not some fragile little doll that will break if she shares a bed with someone. Now get in bed”
You pull the duvet back and pat the bed. It is only when Alexia gets in that you realise she is on your side and you are on Talia’s.
“You know this is my side of the bed” Alexia says as she gets comfy.
You had your reasons for sleeping on that side. You want to be closest to the door in case someone broke in. You wonder if Alexia has a reason.
“Got to make sure no one comes in and kidnaps you. Buenas noches Y/N”
You fall asleep that night with ease. You no longer feel the weight of keeping your emotions at bay and having Alexia knowing the truth makes you feel at ease around her for the first time since you joined the club.
From that day on things were different between you and Alexia. You found yourself spending more time with her than you did with Lucy and Keira. The two of them found it strange but didn’t question it. Whilst the defender was still very much protective over you, she did see a change in her captain which lead to her giving her the benefit of the doubt.
Life in Barcelona was finally what you imagined. Even in January the sun was shining and the sky was blue, unlike the weather you have been used to. The pain in your heart was still there but for the first time in a long whilst you felt happy or at least the closest thing to it that you could feel. Alexia has invited you to family dinner which happened after every other home game. Her mother and sister made you feel welcome. You had become rather close with Eli as she would often reach out to talk to you and check in with you. She didn’t need to say much, the fact that she could understand was more than enough.
Alba was quite the character and there was never a dull moment with her. She would relentless tease her sister and it had you holding stomach with laughter.
You had received some calls that made you think about a few things. You thought about talking to Lucy and Keira about it but you knew their decision would be biased so you confided in Alexia one night as the two of you walked Nala along Barceloneta. She helped you work though the feelings that the question brought up and by the the time you arrived back to your apartment, which you learnt was in the building opposite to hers, you knew what your decision would be.
During the game against Atleti there was a certain Dutchwoman in attendance. It was the second to last game before the Nations league semi final, a game that England has got to by the skin of their teeth. Barcelona came away with a 2-0 win and a lot of the players stayed out on the pitch afterwards to greet the fans that came to support them.
Sarina stood near the locker room and praised the team as they entered.
“Are you here for Lucy and Keira?” Aitana asked as she walked down the hall.
Behind her walked the two English women, along with Alexia. The latter knew to expect her, it made sense for her to come see you in person. The other two clearly had no idea that their national team coach was coming.
“She isn’t here for them”
Alexia’s words cause Lucy and Keira’s heads to turn in surprise.
“Y/N’s still out on the pitch. She is playing with Irene’s son Matteo, shall I go get her?”
“No, I can wait”
Just as three of them were about to enter they hear your voice followed by a child’s laughter. You walked down the tunnel with Irene and her little boy. Sarina saw just how happy you were and for a brief moment she regretted coming. She questioned whether or not this is what is best for you.
“Gaffa” you saw the look on your team mates faces and chuckled. Surely they knew it was only a matter of time before Sarina came knocking “Let me get showered quickly and we will go”
“But we’re going out tonight. It’s team night” Aitana sulked.
“I’ll meet you guys there”
Alexia and you shared a look. She knew what this conversation was going to be about and she was pretty sure she knew what the outcome would be and she was worried. You squeezed her shoulder and smiled before going into the locker room.
It was over 3 hours later that you finally enter the restaurant that the team were eating at.
All heads turned to you as you walked through the door. The seat reserved for you happened to be next to Alexia which you don’t think was an accident. Lucy and Keira were sat opposite you and you see the look of suspense in their eyes. They hadn’t officially been told what you and Sarina were talking about but they had very good guesses.
The rest of the team were having their own conversations and you didn’t want to make a scene so you nodded your head and that was enough confirmation for them.
“Yes!!” Lucy stood up suddenly and slammed her hands on the table.
“Holy fuck. Lucia, sit down”
Lucy does as her told.
“Our captain is back” Keira said to herself.
You tried your best to include yourself in the conversations around you but your mind kept wandering. You found yourself staring off into the distance. It is only when you feel a gentle hand on your thigh do you realise just how spaced out you were.
“Is everything ok? Did your coach say something because if she did then—“
“Stand down Ale” Alexia’s eye soften at the nickname. It wasn’t a new one for her but you had only just started calling her it and she loved it “I’m just thinking is all. What if I’m not good enough? What if I don’t have a place in that team anymore?” You lean into her and whisper.
“Y/N, they are your team. Yes you took some time away but you lead them for a long time and you told me they knew your reasons. It might take some time to get back into things but you will soon be back to how you were before. Besides if things go well for both of us then we will have a World Cup rematch on our hands and I want to see what might have happened if you played in the summer”
Oh you didn’t think about that. You hadn’t given your upcoming opponents a second thought. Alexia was right. If England beat France then they will face Spain in the national league final.
You thought there might be some awkwardness when you walked through the doors at the England camp but you couldn’t have been more wrong. Each player welcomed you with open arms and the players that you didn’t know as much treated you like everyone else did.
There were a few moments when you got pulled aside by Sarina for what she called her mental health checks. She promised that nothing said between you would be told to anyone else and you chose to believe her. You were honest about how heavy the shirt felt when it had the England badge on and you told her of the nerves you were feeling about playing for your country again.
Alexia had kept texting you to check in and for the most part you told her the truth. It was the day before the match when you got overwhelmed and instead of lying, you chose to ignore her. You knew it wasn’t fair but wanted to stay focused. You could bury your feelings for 24 hours. Alexia on the other had wasn’t going to give up on you.
“Alexia” Jenni nudged her friends leg “Earth to Alexia”
The woman in question had her eyes glued to the her phone as you sent you yet another message.
“What do you want!” Alexia snaps.
“Hey, don’t snap at me. Who you texting? Is it a girl?” Jenni peaked over her shoulder.
“No” Alexia pulled her phone closer to her chest “It’s Y/N”
“Y/N Y/L/N is a girl last time I checked” Jenni couldn’t help but tease.
“She but I don’t like her like that, well I do. Wait! I don’t” Alexia slumps down in her seat “Oh Jenni, I don’t know how I feel”
Jenni hasn’t seen her friend like this in a long while. Normally Alexia knows what wants and isn’t afraid to go for it. This though is different. It’s almost like she knows what she wants but she is hesitating and Alexia doesn’t hesitate.
“It’s ok not to know but something is clearly bothering you. What is it?”
“She is ignoring me”
“Last time I saw you you told me she didn’t want anything to do with you”
So much had changed since then and she didn’t know how to explain it. In the end she told her everything she could without going into the finer details. Alexia confesses her feelings and explains that she cannot get a hold of you and that none on your team mates were answering either.
“Alexia, I may not know why she stopped playing football but I saw the way she played, she loves the sport. Her playing for England again is a big deal. Everyone is talking about her press conference she did this morning, it’s all over social media”
Alexia wasn’t aware of a press conference. She never goes on social media the day before a match because it is quite often a distraction. Jenni picks up on her friend’s obliviousness and gives alexia her phone so she can see what is being said.
Jenni was right. You are everywhere.
Y/N Y/L/N makes her return but what does it mean? Why now?
Sarina Weigman confirm Y/N is the captain of this team despite turning her back on them.
Beth Mead ruled out for Semi final, should be back for final if England are successful.
World Cup rematch? Y/N says that Spain wouldn’t have won if she was playing.
Alexia read headline after headline, article after article. She was beginning to feel overwhelmed so she couldn’t imagine what you must have been feeling. The last headline made the Catalonian laugh because she too had thought about what the outcome might have been if you were playing.
“I think the last one is a stretch” Jenni mumbles.
“We will never know” Alexia is ever more determined to get a hold of you. Just as she was about to call you again, a message comes through.
Hi. Sorry I haven’t been around, it’s been a lot. Thank you for checking in on me Alexia, I promise you I’m ok. Good luck in your match tomorrow.
“She’s ok” Alexia tells Jenni as if the forward was the one who was worried about you.
The next day you wake up and are ridden with nerves. It’s not a familiar feeling and you know that you need to calm down before the game or things will end badly.
Despite protests from your team mates, you will start the game on the bench. It’s the right decision and you make sure to tell Sarina just that. Whilst the team’s recent performances have been spotty to say the least, you refuse to walk back in like nothing had changed. You know you need to earn your place on the pitch with the lionesses.
Spain’s game has an early kick off and finishes just after yours starts. The team get back to the hotel and have organised to watch it the hotel bar. Much to Alexia’s dismay she is called for Media seen as though Spain won and have qualified for the Olympics.
When she finally joins the team she knows that the first half is over but that’s it.
“What’s the score?” She asks anyone who is listening.
“2–0” Ona says.
“That’s—“ Alexia is cut off before she can finish her sentence.
“To Germany” Jenni knows that Alexia would have wanted England to win if for no other reason than you “Y/N is going on for Toone”
She cannot help the smile that tugs at her lips as your number goes on the subs board.
The world watches as Mary runs over to you and gives you the band.
“Welcome back skipper” Mary pushes the band up your arm before you can stop her because she know’s that is what you’ll do. She was there in the captain’s meeting when you told Sarina that you didn’t deserve the captaincy.
“Game on, Maz”
It felt right being on the pitch and wearing the three lions crest. You allow yourself to take in your return but only for a couple of seconds before you turn your attention to the game and the challenge that you face. 3 goals was a lot to ask for when Germany are playing as good as they are. It wouldn’t be easy and it would take everything you had but you never shied away from a challenge and you wasn’t about to start now.
After about ten minutes you found your rhythm and England were playing the type of football they are known for. It doesn’t take long for LJ to make a run and dance around the opposition. You have faith in her but follow her anyways in case she loses the ball. She doesn’t but Frohms does save her shot, she doesn’t save your rebound though.
“Get the ball” You shout to the Chelsea player.
When the match restarts, the lionesses are on the hunt. Shot after shot is taken but somehow the ball stays out the net. England get a corner in the 80 minute and you’re lurking on the edge of the box, ready to make your run. Popp is the one marking you because she has studied you new way of play since joining Barcelona. Chloe’s corner is pin point and no amount of research in the world could stop you from getting the second goal and tying the game.
Alexia finds herself up on her feet with Ona and a couple of your team mates when you get your brace.
“Vamos Y/N” she says.
“You do realise that we will face them if they win” Misa reminds her.
“Right now, I don’t care. She deserves this and I’m celebrating my team mate” Alexia didn’t care if she might face you in the final.
“She told you” Aitana whispers as she pulls her captain down to the sofa “That is why she doesn’t hate you anymore and why you’ve stopped interrogating her”
Alexia does nothing but nod. Her fellow midfielder didn’t need to know anything else and she doesn’t ask for it either. She accepts that the reason must be valid if Alexia has dropped her questions.
There are 4 minutes announced of stoppage time.
When you look up the the score board and see the number you get flashbacks on the euros final. You have been in this position before and came out victorious. Today was going to be no different.
It was huge mistake by Germany when Gwinn takes down Hemp about a meter outside the box.
In the past you have found yourself stood over the ball with Beth but this game it’s Alex who stands beside you.
With her hand over her mouth she gives you strict instructions.
“You’re taking it”
It’s not a question and you don’t argue.
“You have saved us tonight, now get your hattrick”
The amount of faith Alex had in you did wonders but it didn’t settle every nerve running through your body. Free kicks were your specialty, this wasn’t nothing new and the pressure was a familiar feeling.
As soon as you strike the ball you know it’s going in. It’s a hard feeling to describe but many call it shooters instinct, it had never been wrong and it wasn’t now. The ball floated over the wall and went in the further part of the top corner. The shot was unsaveable. You ran over to the bench, more specifically to Sarina, to celebrate with the woman who gave you space and welcomed you back with open arms.
“It’s like you never left”
Her words caught you off guard. For a brief moment you agreed with her but you got hit by the feeling of grief, you looked towards the family section and there was no one supporting you. Maybe some things hadn’t changed but a lot certainly has. When the full time whistle was blown your team mates ran towards you, all of the congratulating you on your performance and your first game back.
It was a weird kind of celebrations that night. The team was split, half wanted to celebrate getting through the final and the other half knew the job wasn’t done, they knew that the biggest task was yet to be faced. Spain had beaten them before and on the greatest stage, the UEFA national league final could either repeat history and England could rewrite it.
The team travelled to Madrid that night, only hours after the game. Upon arrival almost everyone went to their rooms but not you. You knew sleep wouldn’t come easy so you decided to wander the streets of Madrid. It had become a habit of yours, you would walk around and people watch. Every human had their own story to tell and it made you forget about yours.
You had no destination planned yet you found yourself stopping outside a hotel, the one you know from your text messages with Alexia, was the one the Spain team was staying at.
A lot of feelings were running through you and you saw this as the universe’s sign that maybe you should talk about them. You have confided in Alexia since Sarina first reached out to you, she knew more than anyone how you really felt about returning and you talked about this very moment, the hours after your first game when the past is very much present in your mind. You remember the words she told you ‘when that happens you call me’ so that is what you do or at least that is what you go to do.
“Y/N” you hear a familiar voice say. You turn to see Jenni, Irene, Laia and Misa walking towards you.
“Hi guys” your voice is quiet, shy almost and you cannot help the way your eyes scan for Alexia knowing full well that these are the people she spends the most time with.
“What are you doing here?” Misa asks you. The two of you hadn’t formally been introduced but you had scored a brace against her in the El Classico.
“I’m—“
“Here for Alexia” Jenni says with a knowing look and you cannot help but feel like she knows something you don’t.
You can only nod. Apart from Irene, you didn’t know these girls very well and the version of yourself that you show to strangers is very different to the one that your friends see.
‘I can take you to her. We are roommates” Jenni seems sincere with her words but you feel a pang of jealousy. Everybody knew that the two of them used to date, it shouldn’t bother you, you had no right to be jealous yet that is exactly what you were feeling.
You think about it and Jenni can tell you are thinking about it.
“She hasn’t stopped talking about you and I know she will want to see you. She was your biggest fan when we watched the game” Jenni added hoping to create some sense of comfortability.
“She watched my game?” You asked in disbelief. You thought you had no one but maybe you did, maybe Alexia was the someone that was cheering you on but instead of the family area she was cheering you on from the hotel you were currently standing outside of.
“She did. I think she forgot she was Spanish for a minute” Irene says which causes you to laugh.
“I doubt that but I appreciate the support. You know I shouldn’t be talking to you, you guys are the enemy now”
“Yet you came here for our captain, she will be your enemy too. Come on, I’ll take you to her. We wouldn’t want you to be spotted outside our hotel, just think of the optics” Jenni once again says.
“Ok” you nod your head a few times to solidify your answer.
The girls lead you through the hotel but only Jenni and Irene stay with you, Misa and Laia walk ahead. The longer you walk the more you begin wondering if this was a good idea. What if you are overstepping your boundaries. You had no right to be here and could easily be turned away at any point.
You enter the lounge area of the hotel which holds the majority of the Spanish national team yet your eyes search for only one. She see’s you before you see her and is walking over to you with a worried look on her face.
“Estas bien? What are you doing here?” Alexia’s arm rests on your shoulder.
“It was an accident. I was out for a walk and I ended up here” you explained.
“She was asking for you” Jenni says even though technically it wasn’t true. In her eyes she wanted to play matchmaker after it was made evidently clear that Alexia was hesitant to peruse things with you even though she had feelings for you.
“Is this true?” Alexia asks and you nod.
“We won, I returned, I scored, wore the armband and I didn’t have anyone is stands” you whispered so only she could hear you.
The look in your eyes changed. For the first time that night you showed your true emotions. Alexia didn’t need to hear anything else. She grabbed your hand and escorted you to the outdoor seating area. She sat down whilst your paced the patio.
“Y/N, come sit down” Alexia pats the seat next to her and you comply “Are you ok, really? What made you come here to me?”
“I’m not ok but I’m more ok than I thought I would be. It’s been quite a day, that game was —“
“Incredible. You changed the entire play”
“It felt right. I belong on the pitch with the girls, I should never have left” You didn’t register that you felt guilty about your absence until you said the words out loud to Alexia.
“You needed to. You had to process your loss and you returned when you were ready”
Alexia was very understanding, you had to give her that.
“That answers my first question but the second” the Catalonian didn’t want to push but there had to be a reason and until she heard the truth she was filled with worry. You had been walking the streets of Madrid, alone, at almost midnight.
“Why am I here?” You repeated it. Maybe you hoped that hearing the question again would help you figure out an answer, it did “I wanted to celebrate…….with you. I was surrounded by my team, people I consider family yet you were the one I wanted to call and tell about the game”
You dipped your head when you felt yourself getting emotional. You were suppose to be happy but with everything you were feeling you were overwhelmed. On top of what you were feeling you couldn’t ignore the way your heart beat twice as fast because Alexia was sat opposite you with her hand now resting on your thigh.
When you looked up Alexia noticed the the tears in your eyes and was quick to wipe away one when it fell.
“I shouldn’t be feeling this way Alexia, it is wrong” you met her eye as you made your version of a confession.
“You can be happy about playing football again Y/N. Natalia would have wanted you to be”
“Don’t say her name, not now” you shook your head and Alexia’s hand fell back to its prior place on your thigh.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep. I can give you space if that what you need” the blonde stands, ready to leave you be but you grab her hand and pull her back down.
“I don’t want space and that is the problem. I wasn’t talking about the game Alexia. I shouldn’t be feeling this way about you” you shook your head in disbelief. You were sure that your shot of happiness died with your wife but you have developed feelings for Alexia and could no longer deny it.
“Y/N” Alexia cupped your face so that you would look at her but when you did, her hand didn’t move.
“Ale” you melted into her touch. That very touch gave you butterflies and you enjoyed the act of intimacy.
The two of you went silent but each of your thoughts were very loud. Alexia glanced at your lips, you knew what she was about to do and you didn’t stop her. Maybe you should have, maybe you should have pulled away but you didn’t. You didn’t move when her lips hovered centimetres from your own, you let her kiss you. You froze in the moment, like a deer in headlights. It was only when you closed your eyes did you realise what was happening. The kiss felt like you were cheating, it felt wrong yet felt so right.
“You shouldn’t have done that. We can’t do this. It was wrong” you pushed Alexia away and stood up hastily.
You stormed away before Alexia had the chance to speak. All eyes were on you as you walked through the sea of Spanish players. Their eyes went from you and then to Alexia who was running through, trying to catch up to you. She was hot on your heels until you turned to face her. She waited a couple of seconds before taking steps towards you.
“Stop” you say but she doesn’t “No!” you held you arm out to further imply your seriousness.
After that she can do nothing else but watch you walk away from her. Her hazel eyes stayed on you until you were out the lobby doors and onto the streets of the Spanish capital.
Alexia was frozen in place. She has ruined everything by rushing but she felt something when she touched you, she felt a spark and that wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t feel the same thing she did. You told her that had feelings for her, you came all this way to see her. Those things meant something but maybe she had read it wrong, maybe it had all been in her head.
“Alexia, are you ok? You’re crying” Irene appeared in front of her. The woman in question was quick to wipe her eyes in hope that no one else would see her tears.
“I’m fine. It’s getting late, everyone should go to their rooms. We have a final to prepare for and we need to be at our best” Alexia walked away.
The two of you were very quiet in the upcoming days and were laser focused on the task at hand. Beat the opposing team and being the first even UEFA Nations League champions. Both of your team mates could tell something was wrong but they didn’t know what to do. Your team mates wasn’t aware of your late night adventures until Aitana texted Keira to ask if you were ok and told her that Alexia wasn’t after you showed up at their hotel. The English midfielder kept this to herself given that Lucy has only just got started talking to Alexia and there were a few players on the team who’s protectiveness could rival the defenders.
By the time the day of the final came around there was plenty of reason for concern but both teams knew that this is what you had been working towards. Yes, a trophy was on the line but it was the previous trophy that was the topic of conversation.
The first time Alexia saw you was when they arrived for the pitch inspection. You were near the goal with LJ, it has become a new pre match routine for the two of you. Well you did it the game a couple of days ago and you won that so the two of you gravitated towards the goal today.
Alexia wanted to go to you and that is what she was going to do until she felt a hand grab her wrist.
“Alexia”
She turned to face Keira.
“Leave her be”
“I didn’t mean to upset her. We were talking about feelings and then I kissed her, I couldn’t help it. It felt right in the moment” Alexia couldn’t stop talking. It’s like was making a confession and Keira would be the one deciding whether or not it was a sin.
Meanwhile the English midfielder couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Sure she had suspected something was going on between the two of you but she also had a strong sense that you wasn’t ready for anything knew. In her eyes you were still healing.
“You kissed her?” Keira whispered as not to bring attention to their conversation.
Alexia was about to explain further but Keira stopped her as she sure her other team mate coming towards them.
“Lucy is coming. I will talk to you about this later”
It was as if Keira flipped a switch. Her look of concern was replaced with a smile and she even put on a fake laugh so Lucy wouldn’t arrive to an awkward silence. Soon enough it was a gathering of Barcelona players yet Alexia could stay focused on what her friends were saying for you were beginning to walk towards her.
In your eyes you wanted to talk to Alexia and you knew you needed to. The other night was a lot for you to process but you did owe her an explanation for leaving, that much you did know. She looked good as you watched her enter the pitch. You let your eyes linger in the most discreet way possible.
“You and Putellas?” LJ asked you. She wasn’t aware of what happened, nor did she know you were married. In her eyes, you were hiding something and she wasn’t wrong.
“We are friends…..I think. It’s complicated” you admitted knowing that Lauren wouldn’t push you further.
“Uncomplicate it” she suggested.
“If only it was that easy. Let’s head in and get ready”
You felt the change in heartbeat again as you got closer to where Alexia was standing. Your head might have been all over the place but you heart was being very clear in what it wanted only you weren’t ready to admit it.
“Y/N” Alexia shouted to you as you walked past her.
“Hi” for whatever reason, you pulled her into a hug “Good luck today, you’re going to need it”
You both started laughing at the quick change of energy.
“I don’t think it’s us that need luck. We beat you in the summer” Alexia was cocky but she wasn’t confident.
“You didn’t beat me though” you couldn’t help but smile at her.
Your smile was genuine and that is something Alexia took great hope in seeing. Maybe you weren’t mad at her, maybe you just needed a little space.
What you said next doubled that hope.
“Come find me after the game”
Then just as quick as the hope was there, it wasn’t.
“We need to talk”
Those 4 words struck fear in Alexia but she didn’t have the chance to say anything because you were already down the tunnel by the time she came to her senses.
Your was brought up several times in the Spanish locker room and each time all eyes fell to Alexia for she is the one that knew you most. She had learnt how you think, what plays you are going to make before you make them. In her team’s eyes she knew how to stop you. Only it wasn’t that easy. Alexia did knew how you play but that style changes when you are hungry, like you have a point to prove and this game brought both of those things.
“Stop focusing on Y/N! If you focus on how to stop her then you’ve already lost. Focus on stopping her from getting the ball” That is the last thing she said before heading out into the tunnel.
The lionesses were waiting for her, she expected it. It was an intimidation tactic. You weren’t there and that was a surprise, she would have bet good money that you would be in the starting 11. Mary stood opposite her and smirked when she saw the look of bewilderment on the opposing players face.
Alexia wanted to say something, she kept looking back at the team. If she was paying attention she would notice that there was only 10 players on the England side of the tunnel. With her eyes now facing forward she didn’t see you walking towards the front of the line. The sound of your cleats fell on deaf ears.
Her head shot to the side when she caught a glimpse of you standing next to her with the pendent in your hand.
“Capital Y/L/N, nice to see you back where you belong” Alexia covered her mouth, her being well aware that there were cameras on her.
You shake your head at her greeting.
“Captain Putellas. You’re going to wish I wasn’t” you had one last attempt to get in her head.
“No I won’t. Win or lose today, this is something the world, myself included, has been waiting for”
You thought you would get a smart remark not a reply that was genuine.
“Alexia”
“Y/N”
Those were the last words spoken except from a good look after the coin toss.
You called a huddle before everyone got into place. This game was important, not only because of the trophy on the line but it was the lionesses chance at redemption. To prove that it was only one game.
“I want you all to do something for me. Play for right now, not for the past. You cannot change what happened in the summer, no matter how hard you try. Winning today won’t get you the star on the shirt but it can be the reset you guys have been wanting. That loss has been haunting you, I can see it by the look on your faces and I promise you here today that if you play with revenge in your hearts then you will fail. Yes, this is Spain but we are England. We don’t stay down, we get up and fight. We stand together as a team, a pride. We go out there and leave everything on the pitch”
Each player is hooked on every word as you give Mary the signal.
“England on three”
You all come together one more time before getting in position.
Alexia tries to do the same by most of the team is watching you.
“She is going to make it hard” Olga tells her captain.
“She is going to make our lives hell for the next 90 minutes but that’s not to say we can’t give it back. Look at that star on your shirt, we got that by beating this team. Yes, Y/N wasn’t playing but she is one player. As good as she may be, we are better. You’ve seen what everyone is saying, they are calling our World Cup win a fluke, that we didn’t win but England lost. We may have qualified for the Olympics but our job is not done. We have a trophy to win. Vamos Espana”
Just like England did, Spain come together before readying themselves for the game.
The game which starts in the worst possible way for the away team. It seems the your players might be a bit more nervous that they are letting on. Inside the first 15 minutes Salma gets through on goal and sends Spain up 1-0. It wasn’t ideal but it didn’t mean the game was over either. You were playing safe, as a way to get the most out of the team around you. When the first half is done with you haven’t take a single shot on goal.
Spain entered the tunnel happy and England entered it less so.
The atmosphere was eerie in the locker room and you could see the self doubt radiating off your team mates.
Sarina takes the floor and explains all sorts of strategies but nobody is listening. They are in their own head.
“Do you mind?” You walk up to Sarina hoping to have a talk with your team. The coach happily steps aside.
“How many of you are thinking about the World Cup? Raise your hand” nobody does and you decide to call bullshit “You’re lying and I won’t have that. You are telling me none of you are out there thinking of the summer? the picture of them lifting the trophy that should have been yours?”
One by one players begin lifting their hands.
“I can stand here and say I haven’t been good enough. I need to be better and I will be better. In 45 minutes we will be crowned champions. The question is are we going to do it in style or are we going to make it harder for ourselves? We know what we need to do and we will do it”
You leave the locker room and go back out onto the pitch. You are the first one out there and you take a minute to look at the score board. 1-0. You hated to lose but more than that, you hated to let people down. You made the decision to come back and you didn’t do that to come second. You returned to be a champion and to make Natalia proud, you wasn’t doing to let her down. You had spent the past couple of days trying not to think about her and maybe that was the problem. She was your greatest strength, your biggest supporter and she may be no longer with you, you may be beginning to move on but that doesn’t mean you have to forget about her. No, you need to play for her just as you always did.
The first ten minutes of the second half it was like a different team was on the pitch. England were pushing and pressing and Spain were struggling. In the 67 minute was when the game was made even once again. You and hempo were tiring out the defence and it made them vulnerable. On one counter attack they couldn’t keep up. Irene was the only player standing between you and Cata but she could see Hempo running up beside you. She found herself in a lose lose situation so she stuck with you in hopes that the pressure would work, it didn’t. You pull her in just enough to give hempo enough space. At the last minute you passed to your left and she fired the ball into the back of the net.
Game on.
Spain were beginning to tire and the one touch football that was known around the world began to work in favour of England. They were unable to play out from the back because you, Alessia, Hempo and LJ was pressing the defence. It was mind play and it was working.
It was during a corner where things got interesting.
“Keep going!” You clapped your hands to rally the team “we are in their heads, now we end it”
“You’re not in our heads” Alexia says as she chooses to mark you. It was a tactic they hadn’t done yet, so far Jenni had marked you.
“Just you saying that is proof that we are but feel free to prove me wrong” you had a minute to talk as the ref walk talking to Lucy and Irene.
“I will. Let’s make it interesting. You score right now and I’ll buy you a drink later”
“So that means I’ll be taking the trophy and your money? Oh you’re on”
Alexia followed you are you walked around the box as you got into position. You would end up in one or two places; front post or in the middle. Never did she think you would make a run for the back post and swap positions will Lucy. The change caught Alexia out and when the ball hit the back of the neck she shook her head in defeat.
She had played right into your hands. You had pulled her in with your words and left her hanging when you celebrated what would go on to be the winning goal of the game.
You had to take a moment when the game was over. Everyone was celebrating but you and Lucy made the effort to congratulate your club team mates of a game well played.
“Ay, Capi. You’re predictable you know that?” Lucy threw her arms around the Catalonian.
“Lucy!” You slapped her on the back of the head “What she meant to say is you guys played a good game and that we will see you in Paris”
“We’ll see them in Barcelona” Lucy tried to correct you.
“I mean on the pitch as opponents, idiot”
Alexia was to focused on what the defender said first to hear the bickering that was now taking place between the two of you.
“What did she mean?” Alexia asked you.
Lucy gave you a look before leaving the two of you be.
“You once told me that in order to see yourself as the best, you had to beat the best. Tonight you wanted to beat me”
“No, I —“
“You did and that’s ok. I wanted to beat you too. It’s our competitive nature. That need you had allowed us a way in. I didn’t know it would come from a corner, only that in at least one part of the game you will stick to me just so you could say you got the upper hand”
“I should have dropped you off, let Irene pick you up and followed Lucy” Alexia understands the error she made.
“You should have but don’t beat yourself up about it. That wasn’t our first plan or second. Our plan was for Hempo to tire Ona out and for Lucy to get inside Olga’s head. Without those two things happening, we wouldn’t have got the corner in the way we did”
Alexia didn’t know whether to be pissed off or impressed that you read her and her team so well.
“You deserve the win today. Go celebrate with your team”
“I will but remember you owe me a drink. I’ll text you the address of wherever we go. Invite the girls too”
Alexia watched you walk away but there was one more thing she wanted to tell you only she feared it would do more damage than good. In the end she bite the bullet and ran to you.
“Y/N”
“Hi again” you laughed “Do you want another explanation of our strategy? We can always watch the game back when we in home in Barcelona”
Home in Barcelona. There is something about the way you said it that made alexia feel warm and fuzzy inside. She quickly shook her head to rid herself of those thoughts and the overthinking that came with them.
“I just want to say that Natalia would have been proud of you today. Not just today but the other game too. I know it’s not my place to say that because I didn’t know her but you should know that. You—“ Alexia began rambling.
“Breathe. Thank you for saying that. I know she is looking down on me right now with a huge smile on her face and truth is if I think about her too much then I think I might cry so I don’t want to go into that right now. Thank you though”
Alexia couldn’t help but feel like she shouldn’t have said that.
The ceremony went by in the blind of an eye. One minute you are waiting for Spain to collect their medals, the next you are raising the trophy with Mary. Back in the locker room you find yourself staring at the medal on your neck. Never in your professional career had one stayed on your neck for this long and never has the gold felt so heavy. It felt like it was weighing you down so you take it off and stuff it into your back. You would talk about that means with your therapist if you had one.
Later on in the night you found yourself at the hotel bar with the rest of the team celebrating. You tried your best to be happy and part of you truly was but you life off the field was becoming more complicated and hard to ignore.
“Excuse me” you tell the group that included Leah, Georgia, Keira and Lucy.
“Should we be concerned?” Georgia asks.
“Yes but let her have a moment. These past ten days have been a lot for her” Lucy tells her friend.
They watched as you paced back and forth on the balcony. To the English it was warm outside but there was still a chill in the air and you weren’t wearing a jacket. Keira kept looking at her watch asking herself how long is long enough before she goes out to you.
Some of the Spanish team arrive about an hour after the lionesses. Some of them go to the bar, some go to friend but Alexia, well she only had one interest and she couldn’t it or more specifically couldn’t find you. Her eyes scanned the room one, twice and third time. She had her phone out ready to call just as she sees you.
Leah catches her walking towards you and wants to stop her.
“What is she doing” The blonde asks defensively “Y/N doesn’t want anything to do with her”
The Arsenal player has heard about you bust up when Keira visiting England over Christmas.
“Things are different now but I’m not sure this is the right thing to do. Alexia!” Keira shouts her club captain over.
“Hola. Congratulations again. You guys sure know how to party” she tried to be polite even though she had no interest in a conversation with anyone who wasn’t you.
“Thank you” Leah seems genuine “Were you going to see Y/N?”
Alexia nods.
“That might not be the best idea right now. I think she needs a minute to herself. It’s been quite the day for her”
“I know. That’s why I want to talk to her” Alexia knew that you might be been struggling but to her that was all the more reason for her to talk to you.
“She won’t even wear her medal” Georgia adds earning her a shove. As far as the English players are aware, Alexia didn’t know anything.
“That isn’t surprising. Every tournament until this one she has given her medal to Natalia” Alexia says as if it is the most obvious thing but your friends didn’t put two and two together.
“Wait” Lucy says “She told you about her?” Again, Alexia nods.
“When? She hasn’t talked about her since she passed” the defender added.
“After Christmas” Alexia explains but goes no further.
“That’s why she went to you the other night but then you—“
“Keira, I won’t talk about that right now. I just want make sure she is ok and I can’t do that if I am being interrogated by you”
With that Alexia leaves your friends speechless and makes her way towards the balcony.
As quietly as possible, Alexia slides the door open and closes it behind her. She didn’t want to startle you so she watched from a distance. Your face wasn’t puffy so you hadn’t been crying but your posture was stiff so you were stressed.
“They’ve spent the past hour burning holes in the back of my head from their staring yet you have come straight out” you turn to see Alexia resting against the door.
“I owe you a drink and —”
“And yet your hands are empty” you point to Alexia’s hand which as you stated aren’t holding a drink “You can come closer you know. I’m not going to blow”
“I know it’s just that—“
“The last time we were along I ran away crying” you laugh as you think back to that night. Things were going really well until they wasn’t.
“Are you going to let me finish a sentence or are you going to keep talking for me?”
You mumble an apology and signal for her to continue.
“Your friends know I know and I accidentally told keira we kissed”
“Figures. She has been hovering”
The two of you go quiet. It’s not awkward, it’s comfortable but even then it’s not what either of you wanted.
“You said we needed to talk” Alexia didn’t want to push things and you had told her this before the game.
“We do. What happened the other night it—“
“Shouldn’t have happened”
“Who is finishing the other’s sentences now”
“Lo siento”
“As I was saying” you send her smirk so she knows she isn’t in trouble “The other night was very overwhelming for me, not because I didn’t like what happened but because I did. I told you that I had feelings and those feelings are for you Alexia. You make me feel things that I thought I’d never feel again. I promised my heart and love to her Alexia and to feel these things for someone else is like an act of betrayal. It feels wrong but I don’t want those feelings to stop. You kissed me and I knew it was going to happen yet I didn’t to stop it. I shouldn’t have ran away like that”
“It was a lot for you, I understand that” Alexia tried to reassure you that it was ok.
“It was but I should have stayed. You wanted to talk to me and I didn’t give you the opportunity. Just because I lost someone doesn’t mean that it’s only my feelings that matter. I’m sorry Alexia”
Alexia couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Since you said the words ‘we need to talk’ she has been trying to think of all the things you could have said, an apology was not one of them.
“Can I say what I would have that night?” Alexia asks and you nods your head whilst closing the distance between you.
“Those feelings you talked about, I feel them too. Things changed between us after you told me and I couldn’t ignore it, trust me I tried. I was also aware of your loss and that this might not be something you are ready for so I talked to my mum one night. She is the only other person I know who has experienced the same loss you have. I told her that I had fallen for you and that I wanted to act on my feelings. You know what she told me? She told me that time heals all wounds but no amount of time is the same. If I wanted to prove to you that I truly liked you then I would need to take it slow so that is what I am willing to do. If you want to pursue this then we will take it slow, as slow as you need. You said it feels like an act of betrayal and I respect that. I won’t push you into anything you’re not ready for”
Alexia reached out for you and noticed once again tears were falling down your face.
“I have made you cry again. I shouldn’t have said anything. Y/N I am so sorry”
“Alexia, these aren’t sad tears” you reach for her hand “I can’t promise you that this will be easy. When Natalia died she took a lot of my heart with her and I don’t know how much is left but I want to share what I have left with you. Please be patient with me Alexia because I don’t know how to do this again. For most of my life it has been her and I but now I get the chance at happiness again, with you. We can take this slow?”
“We will go as slow are you want. I have nothing but time for you Y/N”
Alexia knew what to say and for the first time in a long time you found yourself leaning forward. Just as you were about to kiss her she moves and kisses your cheek.
“Slowly Y/N” Alexia winked causing you to chuckle “How about we go for dinner when we return to Barcelona?“
“I would really like that”
“Me too. Now if I remember correctly I owe you a drink” Alexia holds the door open so that you both can rejoin the party.
“That does seem to be the case. Make it a double. It’s not every day you pull one over on La Reina to score the winning goal” you shoved her playfully.
#woso x reader#woso imagine#woso one shot#alexia Putellas one shot#alexia Putellas imagine#alexia putellas x reader#barcelona femeni x reader#barcelona femeni imagine#barcelona femeni one shot#espwnt x reader#espwnt one shot#espwnt imagine
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𝚃𝙸𝙼𝙴 𝚃𝙾 𝙶𝙾
description: In reader's last game of her career, her wife and team make sure she understands how loved she really is
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vicky losada x female reader
disclaimer: I am in now way saying vicky is bi-sexual or lesbian, this is all fiction
warnings: language, bad google translations as per usual!
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y/n just posted
liked by losada_vicky, lucybronze and 298, 374 others
y/n spooky season... 👻
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username1: she is so pretty kill me now! 🙀🙀
username2: HOW CAN YOU LOOK LIKE THAT 😳😳
username3: love love love it!
losada_vicky: Jesus, I am a lucky woman... 🤯
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y/n: proud to wear Losada on my back baby ! 🩷
username4: UGHHHHHH
username5: PLEASE MA'AM 🔥🔥
username6: Break me like a glowstick I beg
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y/n: ya'll need to touch grass oml 🤨
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username6: OMG OMG ❤️❤️
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losada_vicky just posted on her story
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y/n just posted on her story
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Twitter/X
username1: I don't know if I can take it today - I cannot believe it 😭😭
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username2: I am going to miss her so much.
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username3: She is only 33, why do you think she is retiring? 😶
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username4: She was really badly injured during her second world cup, her ACL tore, cracked two ribs and gave herself a dent in her skull, so...
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username3: well, then that makes sense...
username5: I am so used to seeing her, I am going to miss her so much! 😭❤️
username6: I AM GOING TO CRY THEIR FUCKING STORIES GOD NO ❤️
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When the whistle blew, y/n couldn't believe it, the air was pulled from her lungs and as her teamed cheered in relief from the win, a tear dropped down her cheek at the idea of leaving for real this time.
Her wife wrapped an arm around her and the team swarmed her soon enough, a lot of people crying as they enjoyed a last group hug with their captain of four years.
As they pulled away, y/n looked out at the crowd who were screaming, cheering, waving Brighton Flags for her, and she laughed tearfully and waved out at them in thanks.
"Right." Vicky's voice echoes a microphone held in her hand.
"My wife has given a lot of her life to Brighton, and she honestly loves everything about this club, the players, the staff and especially the fans. I love this club because of her." Vicky says.
The crowd aww's at that, and y/n smiles sadly as she watches her wife who was looking around, proudly talking about the one she called her own.
"She may be retiring, but y/n Losada will be remembered for years as the best Brighton, fan, player and Captain because she has changed so many lives in the course of her own." Vicky finishes.
The crowd erupts at that, cheers showing such agreement to Vicky's speech that the captain covered hr face and took a deep breath, trying to stop from bursting into tears.
A microphone was somehow passed to her, and y/n shook her head, but the chants of 'speech speech speech' were telling her she was over-ruled.
"Um, wow, where to start?" She asks. "First of all, I came through the Brighton academy and played on a senior pitch at the age of 16. I am now 33, and after a brief few years at Barcelona, am honoured to have done my final game here." y/n begins, the crowd cheering for her.
"I am so grateful to every fantastic person on this team, in this club and in this crowd. Because you have made my job the easiest thing in the world." y/n smiles, her wife chuckling and wiping a tear.
"My wife is crying, though I wish she wouldn't because we both know, if I play any longer, I will be sewn back together with how many injuries I have got." y/n laughs, her hand coming up to cup her wife's face lovingly.
"I won't say much more, but thank you for your support, thank you for your love, you will all always have mine. Thank you Brighton and Thank you football. See you around!" y/n finishes and the crowd bursts into cheers.
Two loud bangs happen and y/n jumps before laughing in shock at the fireworks that had been set off from the stadium, the officials giving her a proper goodbye as people cheered.
"y/n! y/n! y/n! y/n! y/n!!" The crowd cheered, repeating her name over and over while the Brighton team piled on her one last time. y/n knew she'd enjoy being a wag, but she would miss football.
Vicky wrapped an arm around her, pressing her lips to her lover's temple as the woman sighed and relaxed in her hold, finding comfort in her wife's warmth.
"I know my love, I know." Vicky promises.
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y/n just posted
liked by, losada_vicky, brightonfc and 429, 736 others
y/n
Words cannot express the pain I have saying goodbye, football has given me a family, several teams, a wife and so much love.
I may be hurting, but I heard you all and I am so thankful for you, and the happiness you gave me tonight and always shall never be matched!
Thank you all so much, I have had such a fantastic time in this career. I will see you all soon, when I am fulfilling my WAG duties!
All my love
y/n Losada xx
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losada_vicky just posted
liked by y/n, alexiaputellas and 392, 921 others
tagged y/n
losada_vicky There may have been several reasons my wife took a step back from football. We cannot wait to meet this reason. ❤️
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username1: OMG OMG AHHHHHHH 😱😱
alexiaputellas: congratulations you two! Cannot wait! I will be favourite Tia!
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marialeonn16: No I Will Be!
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onabatlle: honestly I think I will be ☺️
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y/n: @losada_vicky baby, I am just realising how many aunts this child is going to have. 😂
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lucybronze: They're all idiots I will be the favourite aunt! 😌😌
username2: English and Spanish national teams as aunts, jesus some people just live the life I dream!
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username3: This baby is going to be so loved holy shit
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username4: And the entire Brighton team as well!
leahwilliamsonn: HOLY SHIT AHHHHH ❤️❤️
_bethmead: SO EXCITEDDDDD ! ❤️❤️
keirawalsh: so proud and excited !!! 💙☺️
username5: :( I miss her playing already 😭
y/n: Can't express how much I love you, I am so excited! Serás una mamá fantástica.
you will be a fantastic mama
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losada_vicky: I love you and our baby so much
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username6: I am not crying you are.
ellatoone: I AM CRYING OMG 🩷
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alessiarusso99: HONESTLY SAME 🩷
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mbrighty04: SAME
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racheldaly3: SAME
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khiara.k98: SAME
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lj10: same
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y/n: I love you all so much xoxo
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lucybronze: @lj10 you ruined the 'SAME' chain there mate with your lazy lowercase
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lj10: 🖕🏾🖕🏾
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lucybronze: 😚😚
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losada_vicky just posted on her close friends story
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y/n just posted on her story
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END
flufffffffff
kinda love this, kinda don't
meh
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Queenie xx
#social media woso#woso#woso x reader#woso x y/n#woso community#woso soccer#vicky losada#vicky losada x y/n#vicky losada x reader#vicky losada imagine#brighton hove albion women#lionesses x reader#england lionesses#engwnt#alessia russo#alexia putellas#mapi leon#ona batlle#spanish womens team#lauren james#ella toone#mary earps#rachel daly#millie bright#leah williamson#beth mead#lucy bronze#keira walsh#khiara keating
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Little Bird • England Lionesses
By popular demand...
Request: “Can we have a second part of Rio Manuela? Maybe during one of the World Cup matches she tears her ACL, all of the Barcelona and Lionesses present both on the pitch and on the benches. They all want to get rid of the painful scream they heard when their little sister went down on the pitch, Lucy, Ale and Leah trying to keep her calm”
Part 1 Rio Manuela
Part 3 Where’s Rio?
Word count: 1,7k
2023, August 16, Wednesday, 7:55 pm is when you first set foot on the pitch of Stadium Australia. You step onto the pitch with a proud smile on your face as you walk behind Lauren Hemp for the lineups.
Standing with your hand over your heart, you let your eyes scan the crowd as you soak in the feeling of being here at the Women’s world cup. You have made it. You sing along to the anthem as you watch the English fans do the same and for a moment your smile falters.
You knew she wouldn’t come, she never has. Yet, for some reason you couldn’t help but glance towards the family section in the stands, hoping to see your mother smiling back at you. But she wasn’t here, instead Amanda, Leah’s mum waves at you with a grin and you nod back at her with a grin of your own.
After the Euro’s your name has been one of the many that were now extremely well-known and popular in football talks, not only women’s football. You have continued to show your best football after the tournament with Barcelona and you have shown your continuous skill development on the national level, already winning two player of the match awards in this world cup.
You got your first one in the second matchday of the tournament against Denmark where you had scored two goals and assisted another one. Your other trophy had been handed to you at the end of your game against Canada, one goal and one assist.
Your teammates knew that the diversity of the supporting crowd had been because of all of your performances. There were many fans, not English, not US fans, who were now rooting for either of the teams and as the camera pans around the stadium you also recognize some other countries national players in the stands.
Passing by Leah and Georgia you give both of them a high five and a pat to the back. As you stand in your position, waiting for the referee to start the match, you have a nice stare down with some of the USWNT players.
This semi-final was seen a revenge game for your last world cup against them, a rematch of sorts. You knew, your teammates knew and the US players knew as well.
The whole world had been waiting for this. To see if the United States could once again defeat England in the semi-finals and to see if the English could hold their ground, even after the Euros.
But you were confident, confident in yourself and your girls. And you prove that to the world.
The first goal of the match was delivered in the 20th minute, almost the same as in 2019. This time though it’s thanks to yours and Georgia’s chemistry that England are leading. However, you go into half-time with a 1-1 scoreboard, but you’re still happy as ever, excitedly waving at Mapi and Alexia who sit in the stands with the Barcelona girls.
Noticing you, your club teammates instantly start your chant and are soon accompanied by a lot of the fans around them. You only laugh at that, though the blush on your cheeks is hard to miss.
You sit close to Lucy in the locker room despite your jersey numbers not coming after one another and you lean into her as Sarina and Leah start their speech.
“Well done girls, great first half out there! We’re going to change up a little bit though, subs in. I also expect you all to show the world what we have been practicing at training. I know you can do it, you’ve all played exceptionally well this whole world cup, but remember to also enjoy every moment of it, all right?” Sarina finishes up her team talk by telling who she’d be subbing in and Leah starts talking.
She has that focused look on her face, tunnel vision as all she can think about is winning this thing. Winning the 2023 world cup and taking it home.
Similar to your awarded matches you score a goal, a goal that is once again worth getting named the goal of the match. Running past Becky Sauerbrunn, you call for the ball from Mead who chips it your way.
With Sarina’s words running through your head you attempt the bicycle whirl and the ball goes soaring through the air in an overhead goal. The stadium erupts in cheering and for a second you’re sure you’ve gone deaf.
Somehow it’s Leah who reaches you first and she lifts you into the air, screaming your name. You laugh because it’s the only thing you can do, if you wouldn’t be laughing, you’d probably be crying instead after such a beautiful goal. And in a world cup semi-final.
Nevertheless, that thought soon changes as you scream into the grass twenty minutes later. Your team had been creating another goal chance in the 83’ minute of the match and you had just received the ball from Alessia. You were sandwiched between two US players.
You had outplayed one but as you go to move the ball from one feet to the other, your leg gets twisted in an uncomfortable angle. You think you’ll be okay, that is until milliseconds later Mal Pugh’s knee knocks into the side of your own and you fall to the ground with a painful wail.
The whistle is blown not long after as the referee stops the game. To you it’s all in slow motion as the crowd raises from their seats, Alexia almost tripping over her own legs as she panics. It’s like a scene from Baywatch as Lucy and Leah take their sprint towards you, but it’s slow.
To you it looks like everything has been slowed down.
It was the exact opposite of how everyone else around you was feeling. It happened so fast, in a matter of seconds. One moment you were dribbling past the US players and next your body gave out.
Your screaming is something your teammates are sure would haunt them forever. You’re screaming, sobbing into the turf as you clutch your knee, nails gripping at the skin of your thigh.
You barely notice that the blonde is next to you until you feel her hand on your back. Then Lucy peels your hands off from your leg, afraid you’d hurt yourself and instead holds them in her own. Hoping you’d find some comfort in squeezing her hands.
Leah is trying to comfort you as well but it’s a challenge for her to form any coherent words as she swallows her tears. The Barca girls in the stands are all up on their feet, holding onto the railing tightly and you’re sure Alexia would be jumping over the barrier without a second thought if it wasn’t for Mapi and Patri holding her back.
By the time the medics arrive onto the field, you’re banging your freed hand on the turf before Lucy again takes a hold of it. You wither in pain as you’re placed on the stretcher.
You try to focus on Leah’s eyes as she moves the hair out of your face and wipes the grass off your cheek, but the look on her face doesn’t fool anyone. It was bad. The thought of that only makes you cry even more and Leah is quick to shush you.
“It will all be okay Rio, okay? I won’t let anything happen to you.” she’s pretty much sobbing as well and she knows but she doesn’t fight the tears this time. You nod at her, trying to believe her words and as you’re lifted off the ground and carried off the field the crowd applauds your performance.
You’re thankful for them, but in this moment you choose to keep your jersey firmly pulled over your head, you try to hide from the world, from the reality of this injury.
Hours later you’re sitting in your hospital bed after an immediate surgery on your knee. Arriving at the hospital it had been confirmed that you had torn your ACL, you wouldn’t be playing for a good bit.
Lucy is the first in your room, quickly followed by Leah and Georgia and they all watch you with tears in their eyes. You were staring into space no doubt replaying the injury in your head over and over again. Your line of thought is interrupted as you’re pulled into a hug by the three English players.
You cry together, they allow you to cry into their shoulders, but you know they’re crying too, the shake of their bodies and the wet patch on your own shoulders is enough evidence.
Eventually your teammates from the Spanish club arrive as well and an hour after you’re left alone in the room with Alexia. She’s pacing up and down, something you know you’d be doing right now if you were capable of it.
“Ale, come here please.” your words break her out of her marathon and she settles next to you in the small bed, aware of your injured knee.
You sit in silence for a bit, that is until she cups your cheek and turns you to look at her.
“I know you think that this is it, that this is the end of it for you. But it isn’t Rio, you’ll get back stronger than ever. And it won’t take you long, you know, I believe in you.” she tells you honestly. Her faith in you is what has you crying into her side softly and she holds you close, occasionally kissing the top of your head.
Eventually you tire yourself out, the game from earlier and the surgery taking its toll on you. You cuddle into Alexia, though stilling for a second as you figure out how to position your leg, before slowly exhaling in comfort.
Leah is back in the hospital room too now, and she watches with a soft smile as Alexia runs her fingers through your hair. The blonde also makes herself comfortable and holds onto your hand as you reach for her.
“Rest now, little bird.”
#woso x reader#woso imagine#woso one shot#alexia putellas imagine#alexia putellas x reader#leah williamson x reader#leah williamson imagine#barca femeni x reader#england lionesses x reader#futbol16
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Broken Hearts Football Club | Chapter 29
Author's note: And we've made it to the last chapter! 😞 Thank you very much to everyone who has read this story and for all the likes, reblogs and comments. They mean a lot! 💜 Especially since this story and June and Ben as a couple have become one of my favourites. Hope you like this chapter, and again, thank you very much for the support! 🫶🏻
Update: Don't forget to check the bonus chapters! 👀👇🏻
Previous chapter | Bonus chapter 1
Masterlist
"I can't believe we've made it to the final. I still have to pinch myself!"
"Like this?" Ben said, squeezing June's butt cheek.
"Chilwell!" she laughed.
"You said you had been pinching yourself."
"It was in a manner of speaking, you idiot" she replied, twisting his nipple.
"Hey!" he complained. "Though that was welcomed."
"Does it turn you on when I pinch your nipple?" June smirked, moving to look him in the eyes.
"No. I mean, a bit… But no. That isn't what I meant."
"Then?"
"I have to pinch myself too because I can't believe this is real. Us being together" he said, caressing her cheek. "I still feel like any moment now I'm gonna wake up at the hospital after a crisis and that all this has been a dream. The best of my life, but just a dream."
"It isn't a dream, Chilwell. It is very real. This" she said, kissing his nose "is very real. And so is this" she continued, kissing both his cheeks. "And this" she whispered before leaving a soft kiss on his lips. "But if all that still feels like something from a dream, feel this" she said, taking his hand and putting it on her chest. "Feel the way my heart is beating. I had forgotten it was possible for it to go this fast for someone. Because of someone. I thought that after being broken in a million pieces, it would not be able to go back to what it used to be, that it could not be fixed, healed. Able to love again. And then you came into my life with your stupid facts and…"
"I love you, June" Ben interrupted her.
"I hadn't finished my speech, Chilwell" she replied, rolling her eyes. "But I lo…"
"Chilly, are you there?" Andrew said, knocking on his room's door.
"You've got to be kidding me" June groaned, resting her forehead on Ben's chest.
"Quite busy right now!" he replied, raising his voice so Andrew could hear him.
"Well, wrap it up! We have some last minute things to film."
"Now?"
"Yes, now. See you downstairs in five" Andrew said before leaving.
"Duty calls."
"Duty can go to hell" June said while hugging him as tight as she could.
"Just three more days, June. Three days and we will be lying in the sun on a tropical island, just the two of us, celebrating that you are a World Cup winner."
"That does sound like a dream" she chuckled. "But if we win, it won't be three days. Because we will have to fly back, then we will have all the celebrations, the official visits…"
"Ok, fine. A week. A week and we will be together without no one bothering us."
"That's more like it" she smiled. "Now go shower before Andrew comes back and kicks the door down. I should probably get going too, I want to do some yoga before dinner."
"Wasn't everything we've done enough for today's workout?" Ben smirked.
"For my cardio, yes. But I want to stretch and keep my flexibility."
"I like your flexibility."
"I know" June replied, matching his smile. "Now go."
"Yes, ma'am" he said, kissing her nose and making her giggle before leaving the bed.
The moment he walked into the bathroom and she was alone, June had to pinch herself. And this time it wasn't in a manner of speaking. Because this was real. Everything she felt for Ben, everything that was going on with her career after her injury, all this happiness… It was all real.
━━━━━━❃━━━━━━
"June, before you leave us, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for taking this trophy home, for the tournament every single one of you have given us, for how you've fought and made us enjoy watching football, but most importantly… Thank you for your hard work these past months. I know how tough it has been, that you've worked your ass off literally and figuratively to be here today. And it's all been because how much you love this sport and everyone involved. So thank you, June. Thank you."
"Aww, Andrew. Come here" she said, hugging him. "You've made me cry on live tv."
"Sorry" he chuckled. "But I've meant every word."
"I know" June smiled.
"Now whatever Chilly and I say is gonna sound stupid or worthless" Jacob laughed.
"It will" Ben chuckled, his eyes fixed on June. He was trying really hard to stay composed and not show his emotions too much. Again.
When she had scored he had gone crazy, screaming and clapping until his hands hurt. Andrew and Jacob had gone as mad as he had, which thankfully had made his reaction less odd. But standing there in front of a camera, and once everyone had calmed down a bit and it was just happy faces everywhere you looked, he couldn't let his feelings take over him. He couldn't just kiss June and tell her how proud he was of her and of everything she had achieved even if the whole country knew that they were together. At least not yet.
"Well, in that case, I think it's time we let June be free so she can keep celebrating with the girls" Andrew laughed.
"There is something I must do before I go, tho" she said.
"Oh, ok."
"Can you please hold this for us?" she asked Andrew, giving him her microphone and Ben's.
"Sure" he replied, not sure about what was going on.
"June…" Ben said. She was going to do something crazy. He could see it in her eyes, on the way she was looking at him.
"I love you too" she smiled before throwing herself at him, making him lose his balance a bit when she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
She had done it. She had finally told Ben that she loved him, and she had done it in front of the whole world to see, no one interrupting her this time.
She was sure their kiss would be all over the internet in just a few minutes, that people who had never heard their names before would get to see it too. But she didn't care. Nothing else mattered. It was her and Ben, her lips on his.
"Ok… That was unexpected" Jacob said while June and Ben kept kissing.
"Was it?" Andrew chuckled, more cameras and people with phones starting to surround them, all of them wanting to immortalise the moment.
"You are fucking crazy, Maxwell" Ben laughed when they managed to stop kissing.
"It's your lips, Chilwell. They were made to be kissed I can't help myself."
"And what you said before kissing me?"
"What about it?"
"Did you mean it?"
"With every fiber in my body. I love you, Ben Chilwell."
"I love you too, June Maxwell" he smiled before kissing her again, more and more people surrounding them while Andrew and Jacob tried to protect them, to give them some privacy.
After so many years of being heartbroken, of thinking she would never be able to love again, June had found herself falling head over heels for someone with also a broken heart. Ben's was physically and hers was emotionally, but they had somehow healed the other.
It hadn't been easy, definitely a bumpy ride. But neither of them would change it for anything in the world.
━━━━❃━━━━ FIN ━━━━❃━━━━
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Ellie Carpenter calls out online abuse but shrugs off her own
“The bigger you get, the more criticism you get.”
Ellie Carpenter is authorised to speak on this subject. Mainly because her football career has got real big, real quick – she is 23, has been playing for global powerhouse Lyon for three years, and been the Matildas’ undisputed starting right-back for even longer.
But also because the peak of that career – playing in a World Cup semi-final in her home country – brought with it criticism which would more accurately be described as abhorrent social media trolling.
It happened in August, when Carpenter failed to clear a long ball that resulted in England’s second goal of the Lionesses’ 3-1 win. It was a mistake that left her visibly “heartbroken” after the match, but it did not warrant what former Socceroos captain Craig Foster described at the time as “vile, misogynistic garbage”.
The abuse forced her to limit replies on social media, which were also flooded with supportive messages from fans, friends and teammates, including captain Sam Kerr, who told media she was “mentally one of the toughest kids I’ve ever met in my life”.
Sometimes it is hard for an outsider to know how much this “outside noise” – as many sports people, including Carpenter, call it – affects the individual at its centre. For some, it can devastate mental health and on-field performance. If that is the case with Carpenter, you wouldn’t know it.
Two months after the World Cup, she has been back in the thick of it with Lyon, who are once more top of France’s Division 1 Feminine table, and is now back in Australia answering questions about online abuse she would probably rather not be answering.
“To be honest, I don’t really read or look into that,” she says in Perth, where the Matildas are preparing to play three Olympic qualifiers.
“It doesn’t really affect me at all, because I do a job for my team and myself. I don’t really listen to outside noise. I had a great support system around me during that time, and just during the whole World Cup really.
“It [online abuse] is everywhere these days, and that just shows that the bigger you are, or the bigger you get, the more criticism you get. That comes with being a professional athlete as well.
“You see it everywhere in different leagues, different sport codes. So obviously it’s a problem, and I know a lot of people are trying to make apps and platforms to try and stop abuse and things like that, so that’s good that people are aware of it and are trying to change it.”
Carpenter is an old, independent soul for her 23 years. When she contested the World Cup, she did so after recovering from an ACL rupture, in another country, and opting for little personal support except from her partner and teammate, Dutch international Daniëlle van de Donk.
“You have to grow up very quickly,” she says. “I moved out of home when I was 15 and was living by myself, so you grow up automatically.
“I didn’t really get much downtime [after the World Cup]. You just kind of go straight into a new season, so you don’t really have time to reflect or stop for a second.
“But it’s been incredible to see the aftermath of the World Cup and what we’ve done in football and Australia, and for women as well. I can definitely be proud of that.”
Carpenter is allowing herself to enjoy her time in Perth. She was released early by her club and arrived over the weekend, so enjoyed a couple of extra days to recover from jet lag.
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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/feb/22/how-to-stop-spain-and-aitana-bonmati-moving-the-goalposts-nations-league
How to stop Spain and Aitana Bonmatí. Well, how to try at least
for my first column for Moving the Goalposts I was asked: how do you beat Spain? Well, it is easier said than done. When my Sweden team faced them in Gothenburg in September I had a moment which felt like an out-of-body experience: I could see clearly which kinds of balls they wanted to play and the patterns of their passes. They like to play diagonal passes from the No 6 up to the No 8s and, from there, switch the play. The problem, though, was reacting to it as they are just so quick.
I’ve seen them close up probably more than I’d have liked in the past year – three times, in fact, as we lost a World Cup semi-final to them and then suffered late defeats in both our Nations League group games against them.
Now it is time for the Nations League semi-finals. France face Germany and the Netherlands have the unenviable task of taking on Spain. When I think about what makes them so formidable, I’d start with two things: the amount of quality players and that winning culture, which begins with their youth national teams. They’ve won four of the last five Under-19 Euros and been to the final in seven of the last eight Under-17 Euros. In other words, just reaching a tournament is not enough – their attitude is “we’re going to be there until the end”. The same goes at club level with Barcelona.
In fairness, with Sweden we were close in both Nations League group games: we interrupted their rhythm and were close to getting a draw. We like to press high and force mistakes and, at home, I scored the opening goal and we managed to disrupt them quite well. However, we didn’t have energy to do it for the whole game and lost 3-2.
In Málaga we played a new 3-5-2 formation as we wanted to get a higher press on their centre-backs and also – with our three centre-backs – to cover the inner corridors that they are so good at exploiting. We won the ball high and led 3-1 at half-time. But after an hour a little player called Aitana Bonmatí came on and changed the game, and we ended up losing 5-3.
View image in fullscreenThis is an example with Alexia Putellas this time positioning herself in the same area, making it really difficult for us to decide who should mark her. Photograph: SvFF
Another player I’d like to mention is Salma Paralluelo, who has added a new dimension to Spain’s game. She is so quick that you can’t just have a high line against them as you might get caught out behind instead. Previously, Spain had forwards coming short so you could keep the team really compact but with Paralluelo it makes that really difficult.
Spain’s opponents in Seville on Friday, the Netherlands, have resilience and some good attacking players but the challenge will be to play the perfect game for 90 minutes. When you have the energy, you can press Spain and get the ball in good areas but they’re so good at tiring teams out, as they showed in the World Cup final against England. You retreat into a mid or low block and then you are just chasing and looking at what they are doing. And that means that when you do win the ball, it is hard to have ideas and keep hold of it – they are so quick at trying to regain it, while you are still tired.
If there is one weakness in Spain, it is the fact they do concede goals – nine in six Nations League group games. At Chelsea we always had the mantra that goals win you games but defence wins you championships and, as a defender, I like to believe that is true. That said, Spain scored 23 at the other end so maybe they have cracked the code – as long as you score an extreme amount of goals then it is OK not to be so solid. However, that could be where other teams have a chance.
As for the other semi-final between France and Germany, the French had a strong group stage, dropping just two points and conceding only one goal. They are a team with a core of experience as well as individual flair and they have Marie-Antoinette Katoto looking dangerous again after her long-term injury. However, as a Bayern Munich player I hope my German friends will go through and I do think they have grown as a team. Since moving to Bayern I have noticed that German football has a similarity with Swedish culture in that everyone is expected to work for the team. An example is Klara Bühl, my Bayern colleague, who is one of their key attacking players but still works really hard for the team. With that attitude, I fancy them to reach the final.
Credit to Spain campaigners
It is not just on the pitch that I admire Spain. As a member of FifPro’s global players’ council, I have followed their story off the pitch too and before the game in September, I managed to say, very briefly, how much I respected them for the way they have stood up and demanded changes from their FA – and got them. The week leading up to that match they had had late-night meetings, little sleep and plenty of stress yet still managed to come to Gothenburg and play a really good game. I am impressed with how, between their struggles, they have managed to stay focused on their football and win a World Cup.
Nations League format should follow men’s example
On a broader note about this first Women’s Nations League, it has been a welcome addition even if, timing-wise, it was tough from a player’s perspective to regroup and go again so soon after the World Cup. However, when I look at the fact Spain and France each play their semi-final at home, I do believe it would have been better to follow the men’s example and have a ‘final four’ event in just one place. It would have been a better spectacle and would make more sense from a commercial perspective – not to mention a sporting one as it is a huge advantage for Spain and France to each have a home semi-final.
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Interview with Mapi León: "This is not a tantrum for me, of course it bothers me not to go to the World Cup"
The Barça defense is honest about his personal moment, the conflict with the national team and the Alhama case.
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Mapi León does not mince words. The 27-year-old Barça defense always speaks openly and is transparent. Now, with emotions running high for the Champions League semifinal , he talks to EL PERIÓDICO, from the Prensa Ibérica group , about the Alhama case , the situation with the Spanish team and the work that remains to be done in football female.
Two weeks of many emotions are coming with the Champions League tie in two large stadiums.
With a lot of desire, a lot of desire. As a footballer, you love these moments: the semifinals of a Champions League, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge... It's a team. I don't know how to explain it, but as soon as the Atlético de Madrid game happened, I was like: Ah! Now I focus on this one! [series].
You meet Chelsea again, whom you beat in the final of the first Champions League.
That final, understand me... We also played our final and look how it went. It is a new circumstance that you live. The game doesn't go as you had planned. I have not prepared it with anything concrete or special. Simply, it is Champions and you know that it is final, after final, after final. I also imagine that Chelsea will be very keen. I no longer know if they looked at it as revenge or not revenge. That we won a game, a final, they are not the same team and neither are we. They have eliminated Lyon, it is the reality. I am here smiling because I really want to and I am very happy, but this is going to be hard.
When you go to Europe and see great teams and how they are managed in a similar way to Barça . When do you see that here, in the Spanish league, there are cases like Alhama's?
You feel sorry and angry. I mean, it's a shame you have to live a situation like this at this point in life, in the first division. It's sad that you have to live this and it's angry for the same. I don't know, I don't want to get involved... But this is the first division... We don't know how much everyone is ready and prepared. In general, players, staff... We don't know what baggage they carry, what level of professionalism there is. And I believe that this does not happen in other leagues, I think. I don't know, because I don't live it, but it's not what it seems. With these things it continues to show that there are still many shortcomings and you realize that we continue with this fight.
How real is the professionalization that you were promised?
To be a professional you still have to change many things. Maybe to professionalize, the first thing is to call him, the same. But it's not enough for us just to call him. Many things have to be changed. With all due respect, but there are some fields where you can't play because it doesn't look like the First Division. In addition to the specific economic situations, the physical, psychological and mental preparation, the help that the clubs have... there are many things behind this. So that I can perform every weekend or the Champions League match I have to rest well, I have to eat well, which unfortunately is not cheap.
And how do you stay when the League says that soccer players have to live on 16,000 euros a year?
Of course, yes, with juggling. Look, I, in these things, I mean… It's dramatic. 16 thousand euros and you can't work outside the club and, if you can, let's see what the club tells you. And I also imagine that with the 16,000 euros you will have to save, buy a car... And in the future you will also have children and you want to eat healthy. I'm going to Hogwarts, to see if their secret chamber with money appears to me, because... I'm kidding because in the end I take it ironically, but it's not something that makes me laugh. I from my privileged position, but I imagine that the girls who are in this situation, it is not an easy situation. I'm not saying that 16,000 euros isn't money, and things can be done, but you can't live professionally with that.
It is incongruous that it is said that the objective is to professionalize when the means are not provided.
I want this league to be as competitive as possible, but if the player I'm going to play against doesn't have the conditions to get the most out of it, that's going to make the League not as competitive as it could be, because it's not you have the conditions for it. They are details, that must be changed, that they will fight for it to be changed and that we hope that the work will be rewarded. Let's see if, insisting and insisting, we manage to change these things.
Do you feel the pressure of having to be champions of change as well as footballers?
It is normal that we have part of the responsibility, since we are the visible face and we are surely people who can help others who are at a point where they need help so that people react. Even if you are in a situation, it is difficult to raise your voice in a certain way because you say: if I raise my voice, I will leave. We have part of the responsibility, it is true, but there is another that is like: Do I have to be saying that a person cannot have these conditions in order to be a professional? I mean, do you really think that this woman has the perfect and ideal conditions to get the most out of it? It surprises me.
Is something similar happening in the national team? You ask for changes, but they don't come because you are still willing to miss the World Cup. Now that there has been a concentration, and there are colleagues who have returned, have you felt sorry for not going?
It makes you even more angry. In the end, I know what we're fighting for. Of course he fucks. I have spent years, and I will allow myself to say this, in high performance, and I think I have earned being in the national team. That in the end that reward, to this day, is not going to take me pleasant is not. But in the end I think that in the end you have to be aware of why you are doing this and that the focus does not go away. This for me is not a tantrum and if someone believes it, they do not understand absolutely nothing of the message that is trying to be sent. There are things that are very clear to me, I need some changes, if those changes do not take place, then I have to assess whether or not I want to continue with the situation as it is.
Do you think that the speech has asked for strength with the events that have been happening?
They are looking for different ways to try to solve it. In the end, it is obvious that during this time there have been few seemingly visible changes. I imagine and understand that there are people who want to look for other paths. In the end, it is true that each of us has a way of thinking about how to resolve the situation. I hope that the message is not weakened, because in the end it is the same. People who are outside and don't have all the information, say: "Oh, that's strange! They're coming back, but everything is the same!" I can understand that there are people who cause confusion. I suppose and I hope that everyone is calm with their conscience, that they are sure of their decisions. I am sure of mine. It is having clear ideas and they are situations and ways to act and control your anxiety and desire.
How has all of this affected you? Personally.
Of course I don't want to miss out on the opportunity to play in a World Cup, of course not. But there are some things that need a process. Things are not done from one day to the next, but then maybe it would be a tantrum. It is not: "I want the toy on the shelf, and I want it now." I'm fine. I think that when you are so calm with yourself that what you are doing is because you really believe that it is what you have to do. That I may be wrong, eh, but it's what I feel and it's what I have to do. Just because it's okay doesn't mean I don't care. I am calm with myself, I know what my body is asking for. This also entails some risks, of course, but I am focused on Barça, on the Champions League semi-finals and on the League, which is well on its way. I'm happy. I am focused on the club and it can be seen that things are being done well, that the project that they have been creating for years is bearing fruit. I am happy where I am.
Are we normalizing your success?
Yeah! Yes we have already won! [laughs]. There are many people who will think that by having been to three finals in four years, I understand that we have a certain point that we have it on track. It is normalizing and what we are doing is not normal at all. There will come a time when we will lose and that's it. In Turin, Lyon told us: "hey, not yet." Well nothing.
That moment seems distant, you are subscribed to victory.
The most important thing is to win, get the three points. Obviously being here, at Barça, not only that matters, but the ultimate goal is always to win. You have to win and that's what's difficult at this club. It's not worth just winning, but it's like winning. Now we have to play against Chelsea, which is going to be tough. In the end, everyone who thinks that this is done is the one who will fall, the one who will hit the curb, because this is how it is. We have to be very focused, knowing what the match is, because the English are going to push and we have to get a great result in the first leg so that the second leg at the Camp Nou has a correct result. If Chelsea has something, it's that they have scored two goals from half an opportunity. That people do not think that it is done.
⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽
As always with these things, the Google Translation isn't perfect. Here is a link to the original article for the Spanish speakers out there:
And the photos from the article:
#mapi leon#mapi león#maria leon#futfem#fcb femení#woso#fc barcelona femeni#mapi interview#interview#video interview#Youtube
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Galactik Football season 3 rewatch, eps 22 - 24
Episode 22:
Yeah Thran, you SHOULDN'T be there! Why are you with the Pirates in the first place other than you knowing the plot needed you to help out there?
I'll always love how that memory wipe device is literally just the one from Men in Black
Honestly can't believe the Xenons haven't scored yet
Oop! Spoke too soon!
WHYYYYYYYY DID YOU LEAVE SHARKY'S CAMERA INTACT!!!! He was snapping with that thing all the time, I don't believe the Pirates would fuck up that badly. Even if Harris's cat hadn't found it, Hush Sharky could've just woken up, seen the pictures, assumed he'd had his memory wiped (in season 1 Aarch seemed to have the common knowledge that Pirates do that), or he'd had a fun night lol, and then published the photos anyway! He would've spun some made up story from them! WHY IS CAMERA
YESSSSSS MEI!!!!! epic goal
fsdkjfsdkjdfs look at this
Yeah with Vega controlling the team Paradisia girls they do feel more like androids, even if they're not supposed to be. How much of this is control and how much is their own free will? Spooky
THRAN IS ON FIRE! YOUR DEFENCE IS TERRIFIED! 🎵 Ok I guess it would be their attackers, but he's going on the offence too because he's just that cool in this match
Holy shit 4-1? Man they nerfed the Xenons. They were running circles around the Snow Kids in the first half they should have scored more than one goal then
Aww another respectful handshake between D'jok and Luur
Nork: Artegor, what are your impressions of the match?
Artegor: Excuse me, but I think I have to go join my friends!
Awwww Artegor has come so far since season 1
D'jok and Mei holding hands...... not sure how to feel about this........ I will reserve judgement for now
Thran being the one to fall asleep this time I love it
Sidney and Harvey reunion! Peace and love <3
Nothing like a bit of clubbing to celebrate a victory, would be a bit weird with your parents there though LOL
Sinedd's parents live so far out they've never heard of the GF stars? Sounds a bit hard to believe in this universe I mean, I don't really care about irl football but I still know who Messi is. Also Maya STILL hasn't spoken to D'jok LMAO
Why the fuck would Adim and Aarch being in a relationship mean the Snow Kids could get disqualified. Literally the only case I can think of where they could have accused Adim of favouritism is letting them form a team way back in season 1, what else could she have possibly done to help them win? Some guy on the news accuses them of cheating, but WHAT does cheating in Galactik Football even mean????
LIKE. Look I hear all sorts of accusations of corruption and rigging every world cup but usually people actually have something to point at – poor ref decisions, easy matchups, whatever! There was none of that for the Snow Kids, I know it's supposed to be ridiculous that this is going on, but idk it just doesn't feel that believable to me as this huge deal and not like, a bit of drama that will blow over once the next scoop comes out. Sure they might lose some fans but there's no real risk of them being disqualified because for that you need concrete proof of favouritism.
Clamp spitting fax!!! Exactly my thoughts
Callie is throwing SUCH shade at the Aarch Adim scoop hahaha
Mark is having his romeo balcony moment but much more emo. It's so dramatic but whenever this happens in shows I always end up thinking about how they can't have known each other that long to be so in love 😂
RIP Brim Simbra. Didn't even get a funeral eulogy
Side note Dame Simbai's flux society shades are swag
Episode 23:
Whyyyyyyyy does Aarch have to quit because of this?? This is all.... so sudden! We've got like 3 episodes left after this one and we're having Aarch quit? Right before the FINALS? And why would you not at least discuss this with Rocket first before springing the surprise that he's gonna be the coach now in front of everyone???
It's NOT the only solution Aarch this is so dumb 😭😭 It's not like they even went for an arc where he realises it's time to pass on the baton and settle down into a new life of whatever, it had to be with the drama
I do like that it didn't end in Adim quitting her position though
And now they're throwing in like two lines about Aarch being happy about his decision and moving on, but there was no build up or arc about him needing to quit coaching!
Work it, Magnus. Of course Artie and Bennett can't stop themselves from cracking up hahaha
Clamp getting the recognition he deserves <3 Sorry Aarchtegor fans, he was not included in this goodbye speech. We can't have it all
Ooooo Tia's dad mentions he's the ambassador of the Obia moon, not specifically Akillian. Was Obia mentioned specifically prior to this season I can't remember
Geez Sinedd is the spitting image of his father
Hey check it out, this is almost a looping gif! This is not sped up, the animation really is this goofy 😂
Sooo this flashback thing Maya communicates to Sinedd's mother through mind-meld confirms D'jok and Sinedd used to be friends, which is something we'd been wondering about for a while. It would make sense why Sinedd is so hung up on their rivalry.
I headcanon that he got jealous of D'jok's life (having a parent, being really good at football etc.), feeling worse about himself, especially with him never getting an adoptive family. Maybe he even was the first to start playing football, but felt like D'jok was surpassing him and this was another thing taken from him. So he starts putting down Micro-Ice so he can feel superior and challenging D'jok, who eventually ditches him. It's an interesting dynamic, would have been cool to see some full flashback scenes about this.
Yay more Elektras water skating!
Awww rip Elektras :( Their friendship and support of Yuki is so cute I love them
Bwuh???! Where on Akillian did Rocket get the idea to recruit Sinedd back??? Like sure the audience knows he has the potential to develop into a nicer person and actually work in a team with the Snow Kids, but Rocket doesn't! Like, in my head I'm imagining they had interesting interactions in season 2 during the whole Netherball thing, but we were never shown enough of that on screen for this to make sense.
Like. With Aarch gone Rocket seems to think they need a change? HOW DOES THIS SOMEHOW CONNECT TO GETTING SINEDD TO COME BACK??? And so close to the final? Changing things around like that last minute is crazy. I just... SINEDD COMING BACK TO THE SNOW KIDS AFTER THREE SEASONS SHOULD BE A BIG DEAL WHY IS IT SO RUSHED 😭😭😭 I mean I know why it's rushed, the showrunners knew they probably wouldn't get renewed so tried to tell as much of the story as possible, that's just how it is unfortunately
BWAHAHAHA why is Sonny just hiding directly behind Magnus during this call instead of... anywhere away from the camera ahahahaha that's so stupid Sonny there is NO NEED stop being so dramatic
Rocket (to Sinedd): We need you to beat team Paradisa, you can make the difference!
Again, WHAT DIFFERENCE? Why is he so sure they need an extra player all of a sudden, are team Paradisia THAT good? The Snow Kids have been training hard with this lineup and they're two-time champions. Sinedd is a great player sure but... WHY.
On the other hand Rocket is the first guy on the show to be like: hm... maybe we SHOULD have at least one substitute for our team huh?
Rocket: Deep down, you're a Snow Kid too.
Rocket: You come from Akillian, and you've mastered the Breath
UHHH, HAS HE? I'm pretty sure he left before he even got to use the Breath, actually
Sinedd is so quick to consider this offer FSDJKDFSKJDFS THIS IS DONE SO BAD I'M SORRY 😭😭 Like the concept is fine, I really like that it's Rocket calling him back (as someone who also needed his team to bring him back once) but it's just... the pacing is so bad and Sinedd's development was so all over the place that it just doesn't seem believable that he would take up this offer right now, especially with D'jok on the team
Episode 24:
Callie I know it's for your “a day with the Snow Kids” report but maybe at least knock first?
Neither Mei nor Tia are morning people lol
Oh of course Mark has a cup of tea for breakfast XD Or maybe it's coffee, idk.
The way Rocket bats the camera away 😂 Isn't it weird to do this report right before the final, and broadcast it live? Aren't training sessions supposed to be more secretive at this time?
Aw Sinedd's sister is cute
Micro-Ice: Yeah well, Tia is by far our best captain in ages, because D'jok-
D'jok: Oh, yeah?
Besties! <3 No I still haven't forgiven how quickly D'jok was accepted back into the team <3 Also yeah D'jok wasn't a great captain <3
Callie why are you sitting like that. Rocket get her a chair
Oh wait there is a chair
Aww Lun-Zia's little high-five with Luur. Fun training session!
Wow we really sped through Sinedd meeting his real family huh 😭 And just like that, he's back with the Snow Kids because his little sister wants to see him play. Let me guess, Rocket didn't discuss this with the others first?
This is making me want more sports with the flux. Just imagine, galactik volleyball! I have a whole AU in my head and I will draw it one day I swear ToT
If Sinedd isn't a hologram, then why does he spawn into the holo-trainer like that? They've done that animation a couple of times in this season and it doesn't make sense considering how we've seen the holo-trainer work before. It's not them teleporting in, the holo-trainer manifests itself around them and... wait, how DOES the holo-trainer work? My brain hurts just thinking about it
Oooooh Rocket didn't discuss this with anyone and just gets Sinedd to join in the middle of a practice what a surpriiiiiise, there is no way this could go badly whatsoever /s
D'jok accepts that Sinedd is back way too quickly, I get that he messed up too but he immediately switches to “ok you're on the team, but remember you're a substitute, bitch <3” (Mark: Well thanks)
I'm still sad we don't get a scene of Sinedd leaving the Shadows, I mean the guy played with them for yeeeears they must have had SOME sort of connection. He calls them family earlier!
I like this sequence where Sinedd's flux keeps switching between the Breath and the Smog. I imagine that with the Smog being so powerful, and it lending itself to Sinedd's emotions more, it's gonna be hard to give it up.
Bennett is once again trying to find the location of a bomb hahaha
I was about to comment on how cute it is that Aarch can finally spend more time with Norata but JUST as Aarch starts relaxing, Clamp tells him there's a multi-flux bomb on Akillian LOL. Guy can't catch a break, he really didn't sign up for all this shit
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Ada Hegeberg OLPlay Interview (September 2023)
Blah blah standard disclaimers apply; @OL Comms Dept pls pls pls either chip for my AC bill or pay for a PSL I just want to feel loved; don't want to commit to translating every interview but it's directly related to how much I want to put off doing chores around the apartment, etc etc. Y'all know the speech by now.
Timothee > others. This interview was done prior to the Trophee des Championnes game.
You can't teach a team how to have a killer instinct, either they have it or they don't. It's something Hegerberg touches on in this interview. She understands Lyon in a way so many others don't. Did Lyon create Hegerberg in their own image, or did she mold them into hers? I do love a good philosophical chat. Luckily for me, so does Hegerberg.
ADA HEGERBERG OLPLAY INTERVIEW
Timothee: First of all, how are things going before the start of the season?
Hegerberg: It's going really well. And I think the atmosphere is really good, as usual. You can't be dismissive of that, but I think we have to appreciate the good atmosphere that we have with us. I hope it lasts throughout the season. And we're working hard, of course. I think we're still in preseason mode, even if we have important games coming up pretty quickly. And as for me, personally, I'm really happy to be with the team again, the players, the club. I think we're approaching the season with a lot of serenity, even if there's a lot of work left to do. But I think - well I have the impression that we're really enjoying ourselves in what we're doing, and I think that's important.
TImothee: Can you tell us how you spent your summer? You had a little break after the World Cup, a break before returning with the team. How was your summer and do you feel personally about coming back?
Hegerberg: Despite everything, I think we had quite a few weeks off. I think it's the first time in years that we really had a break and I can't tell you how important it is for us, mentally and physically. It [the schedule] is becoming more and more packed, the calendar asks more and more of us. So to have had that break could only have been a good thing for this season. And there was the World Cup, it was long. There was a lot of work. I think it was a big challenge for Norway. I think that unfortunately for me, I had a minor hamstring tear [I thought they said it was a groin injury but whatever, she knows best I guess] at the worst time. It's part of sports, I guess, even if it's hard. After that, I'm not going to hide behind saying that we did what we had to do. I would have liked us to have displayed football that was a bit - [Hegerberg exhales] - that was prettier. I think we can say that. I think there's a lot of work to be done with Norway. But I'm not going to deny it, it's good to come back here [to Lyon], to start a new season with new objectives, because despite everything I'm someone who is really ambitious as well. And I really want to win everything this year, to really enjoy myself. It's the first time in years now that I take part in preseason, in good health, with so much fire. So I want to enjoy it. But I feel that I really want to start the season off well.
Timothee: Yes, I was going to say that. You had a complicated season last year. Unfortunately you had to watch a lot of games and not be able to take part in them. I imagine you're hungry now.
Hegerberg: Oh yeah. I have a lot of hunger. I try to find the balance between being on the offensive mentally but at the same time enjoy it. Beyond that, it's going to be a big season. I can feel it. And we'll have to work hard but we have to enjoy it as well. I'm ready to burn everything down with the team. We'll do everything to make that happen. We really have the potential to reach the highest level this year.
Timothee: If we take a moment to quickly look back at last season, there was that disappointment against Chelsea. It was a cruel defeat, because you did exactly what was expected from you, you played two hours, it was a pleasure to watch. And there was that last minute. I imagine there's a desire for revenge this season because that.
Hegerberg: [long pause] I think I just have one thing to say about this: we're going on the offensive. We didn't win it [the UWCL] last year, that has to serve us even more as motivation. We need to exploit our qualities even more. I don't think we fulfilled the team's potential last year. It's something that we need to keep in mind this year. And to be honest it's a beautiful thing, to be on the offensive, and to be really hungry to show all the qualities we have. It's nothing but positive, and we have to - it was hard, honestly. It was hard to swallow. But you have to turn it into something positive as well. We were spoiled, the last ten years, I don't know how many Champions Leagues we won, but it's a number that doesn't exist in [women's] football. So despite everything, we need to increase the number of titles, especially that of the Champions League.
Timothee: After that difficult moment in the Champions League, there was that moment in the final of the Coupe de France, there was that wonderful goal you scored with pretty much your first touch. Tell us about the emotions, how you felt in that moment.
Hegerberg: There were a lot of emotions. I really adore those types of games. I love those moments, it's the end of the season, titles are on the line. I was struggling for a really long time with the same injury. And at the end, finally, I could be myself again. There was a lot of work behind the scenes. It's true that we fell short in the Champions League. I would have liked to have had more games under my belt in those moments. But despite all that, when I threw myself into it, I was all in. And that's why for this season I am telling myself I had a good preseason, and there's nothing but positive things to take away from it.
TImothee: Hmm. It's true that for that final, we felt as though you wanted something to happen, that the Coupe de France was your moment in some ways. Like the moment when we got the ball. We felt as though you weren't even looking at the goal, it wasn't even your dominant foot and you just took a shot. It went straight in. It was an incredible moment, you have to admit.
Hegerberg: Yeah. It was an incredible moment. It's like any big moment on the field with this team. It's - there was a title on the line, it had been a while since I had played in a big game like that. So obviously on a personal level it was a big moment for me. After that, it came down to doing your job, as always. It's about spontaneity. And in the end we won a big title.
Timothee: Did it make you happy to say "I didn't lose my touch, I still have it, everything is like it was before"?
Hegerberg: [laughs] I understand the question, and it's true that experiencing it for real, it brings a lot of confidence. It's really during games that you're like, you see where you're at in the process. Despite everything, I think that I did a really good job on the mental level as well, because it's not a sure thing to come back to the highest level after so much time away. You have to really prepare yourself. After, I really took the time to visualize football every day, even if I was in the gym. And I think I prepared myself really well, on the mental level as well. Because when you come back, you have to find your rhythm again, you have to get the feelings back. But this time I think this is it, it came back a little faster you can say than the previous time. Now you can also say it was a shorter period as well, but it's not a done deal. And I'm proud of the work I did, and just happy to be back with the team again and that everything is going well.
Timothee: Well you went and won titles last year. There's another one coming up. The Trophee des Championnes is a bit particular, it's the first official game of the season but at the same time it's also a final, it's a bit particular in its own way.
Hegerberg: It's a bit particular because we haven't been together for that long when you think about it. It's been 10 days since we've had the complete group back, actually it's been a week. Now you can also say we're lucky because we know each other really well. It's more or less the same team. We have Melchie [Dumornay] and Kady [Diani] who are new [to the team]. Otherwise I think everyone was just really happy to be back with the team. We really enjoy playing with each other. And having to play important games right off the bat, I don't think it bothers us. I think it quickly puts things in place, it almost forces us to immediately get into the right mindset for the season and not take anything lightly. So I'm excited for those games. And it's a trophy.
Timothee: It's something that shouldn't be underestimated, being back, being happy to see your teammates again. The roster might change a little but the atmosphere stays pretty consistent, you're happy to be around each other again. I think that's important.
Hegerberg: It's important. It's so important. I can't tell you how important it is to - we're going to need everybody throughout the whole season. And we know there are really different personalities, different characters. There are different qualities. So putting all those elements together, that's the recipe for winning everything. You need a group that sticks together to win. I think that when I talk to a lot of people outside the team, I think we're lucky. Because it's not always like that. I don't think it's like that everywhere. And we have to take advantage of that. And we have to - it has to work for us, we have to push ourselves harder. We have to have high expectations for ourselves and for each other because that's the only way you progress as a team and individually. And that's just a bonus.
Timothee: You talked about Kady [Diani] and Melchie [Dumornay] who arrived. How did you experience the arrival of those two players? You knew them from before, but now we see them on the team. How did you experience that?
Hegerberg: They are two really good players. And we know them pretty well, because some [Lyon players] have played with both of them. And obviously that, in terms of team spirit, I think it's not the worse group to integrate [unless you're Izzy Christiansen I guess]. I think everyone understands the importance of making things easy for the new players, because we know the importance of quickly becoming integrated into the team so that they can perform as well as possible as soon as possible. And I think that's already the case. And it's a work in progress, because it takes time to get to know us, how things function, both each player on the team and also - yeah. It's a work in progress. You have to work on it throughout the season. But for the moment it's going really well.
Timothee: And they're top players on the field as well. That helps.
Hegerberg: That helps as well. It helps a lot. But honestly, they have a lot of qualities, and I really hope we can exploit its full potential.
Timothee: Quickly, there was also the arrival of Laura [Benkarth], who brought her experience from Bayern [Munich] and her knowledge of top level football. She brought a lot of experience.
Hegerberg: Yes. She's been with the team for several weeks now, so you can see she's integrated into the team really well. I think she's a person who is going to pick French up really quickly. She's someone who is very experienced, who is very open to things, and it's been nothing but positive to have her here. You have to remember she's German, so she's someone who is very disciplined, and someone who works really hard. So we're really happy to have her.
Timothee: So with the players available, there aren't any excuses possible. You have to try and win everything.
Hegerberg: Yeah. To be honest, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves, but seeing the players we have, and seeing the individual and collective talent, you owe it to yourself to have the highest ambitions possible.
Timothee: And for you personally, have you fixed objectives for yourself? Or are you just going to try your best and not put too much pressure on yourself?
Hegerberg: Yes, I have fixed objectives for myself. I think that's important as well. I don't think I've ever played a season without having fixed objectives for myself. So that's part of the process. And I want to enjoy it, to enjoy this team and the game. I hope I'm going to score a lot of goals, I hope I will contribute as much as possible to the team. And really push the team to win these big titles, because all the difficulties I've experienced, that's really behind me. I feel I lost almost three years of my career. And now I want to show what I'm capable of. And still have fun.
Timothee: We can't wait to see what you're capable of. Thank you, Ada.
Hegerberg: Thank you.
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Richarlison 🇧🇷 smut
It’s it’s carnival season in Rio de Janeiro, you and your friend are getting ready for the night out some of y’all are taking shots while the other and fixing their make up and listening to music.
“Come on girls we don’t have time , the guys are going to be there in one hour” one of the girlfriends yelps
“Stop stressing “ you say taking a shot with you friends “we’re almost done “ one of the girls say fixin her make up
“Here ,take a shot “ you hand her
“ soo.. who’s coming ” one of the girls ask take while sipping her drink
“The usual group and maybe Richarlison” the room fills with giggles
“it was Long time sence you saw him” you friend teasing you,You smirke,Richarlison
You grow up together and had the same friend group.
He grow to play for Tottenham and Brazil.
You didn’t him for a long time
You friends acted as if you two dated , which you didn’t.
You two had your first kiss with each other in high school,
The boys teasing him for never kissing a girl and you being a good friend helped him with that , but that was a long time ago
The Carnival was in it fullest the drifter color light, music and people dancing.
you were at your usual place enjoying the carnival with you friends.
“We’re all the guys “ on of them pouting
“Stop complaining“ you tell her “let’s go dancing “ you take her by the arms and in to the dance floor.
A random guy taps you on the shoulder “Hi you wanna drink “ his gorgeous
“No is okey , I’m with my friend” you keep Dancing and he leave.
“I’m going for a smoke “ she says under the blasting music
“I’m coming with you and then we can by drinkings” you say and she nods
You got out side the and club in the smoking area. The club is nere a beach the sea filled the carnival lights
Your friend light her cigarette and you one
“ since when did you start smoking y/n”
“Richarlison!”your friend jumps and hugs him
He looks at you while hugs you friend
you stop on the cigarette.
He has browns tan and and surprised that his very built, it’s all the football training
He kiss you one your cheeks and hugs you.
He always had the most beautiful eyes
You simile
“You look good “ you tap on his arm
“Not as good as you” teasing you
You friend giggles “let’s go buy some drinks !“
Your friend takes you by the arm away from him.
You stand next to the bar , you couldn’t take your eyes off him and neither could he.
“Can I buy you a drink now” it’s the same guy from the dance floor
Sure !” you smile
While Richalison pointing at you and talking to his friend.
his probably wondering who that guy is you thought to yourself
You take a sip of your Caipirinha and take the guy to the dance floor and your start dancing.
Richalison couldn’t help him self to stair at you.
you always had him rapid around your finger
You body started to get wamer for the drinks and dancing,
Richalsn kept steering and you had the bold ides , you started to make out with guy your dancing with while steering at Richalison, His face quickly red while looks at you and tourning he’s head away.
You thank the guy and went to your friends table we’re Richalison is also sitting
“I’m going to the bathroom “ you tell them siping the water
Your all sweaty showing of somy cleavage , You bag behind the table you could easily ask you friends to hand it, You clime over Richalison showing of your curves
He touches your waits gently.
You fix your hair and lipgloss
You walk out and as you expected Richalison standing in front your.
“You need the bathroom too “
You ask teasing him.
He smirks “ you thinks your funny “ he puts his arm next to your face ,closing the gap between you two
You look up at him smiling touching his neck
“Your hair looks good, the World Cup loved it “ You keep playing with his neck
He didn’t answer just looking at you lips and then your eyes.
But you wouldn’t give it to him that easy , You escape his embrace walking to the dance floor.
He caches you behind hugging your body his face on your neck taking in your smell
“What are you doing “ you chuckle
You were actually just friends
You feel his getting hard , your heart beating. You alway had attraction to each other you didn’t se each other for long time.
You slowly started to dance , “fuck “ he say under his breath. You turn around facing him
“Only say that unless you want me “
Hi grip his hand around your waist.
Your arms around his neck. “your really hard” you whisper
He graps your hand taking to the back. He lift you up,
your legs around him ,you grab on to him.
“Let’s go to my place” his head resting on your neck, you immediately node. You push his face on your lips make out, biting his lips and moving your hips
He’s body feels amazing.
His hotel wasn’t to far from the bar. almost running to the hotel. you didn’t take your hands of him.
You rush in to the room out of breath
Throwing your self on him,
Kissing him hungry, him wrap his fingers around the frame of your neck, pushing you against the nearest wall.
You move though the hall to the king size bed.
Your legs are wrapped around the Brazilian as he hovers over you.
“Your my best friends” he say
“Do best friends don’t kiss like this ” he gives you a peck on your lips. You move closer to his ear “~i want to ride your face.” you giggle.
he takes off his shirt and jeans, remaining in his boxers,
taking off your clothes, soon leaving you naked in front of him,nearly ripping the materials because
“Your to much “ he aggressively took of his boxers. His fingers pulling your underwear down your thighs, taking his hand letting your roam underneath you, the contact with his eyes , making him touch you, your other hand found its way on your bare chest, twisting and turning the sensitive skin in an attempt to make yourself wetter.
making circles around your clit, you finally felt relaxed, giving into the pleasure from teasing each other all night.
you moaned his name, his rapid movements in and out of you, you soon felt a slap on the side of your ass and you yelped surprised by the sudden contact.
He’s takes a harsh grip of your hips as he takes a faster pace making your moans get louder. He gives you a small smirk, kisses you to stop quieten your moans.
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I can say for me personally, I like William a lot and the work he does, but William’s negligence of women’s sport is a huge issue I have with him (with the entire BRF tbf). The first time he attended a women’s football match was last year. After being president for the FA for 16 years.
At the start of him being president he didn’t attend the men’s FA Cup every year so there wasn’t the expectation that he would do the same for the women, but in the last ~7 years he’s been to every final except for 2018. And let’s not talk about the difference in attending the Euros… If he’s putting in that energy for the men he should also do the same for the women (especially when I know how much it means because his presence gives a lot more attention to it, maybe not now but before). So I can agree with the other anon that it’s great that he’s going on Sunday, but that he should’ve done it years ago so I’m. Hopefully this means that he has understood the importance of him attending ☺️
Exactly I said this too in my previous answer, listen I grew up on football so all through my life and seeing my cousin too I have seen the kind of blatant disparity which exists in the football when it comes to the women's & the men's games. And the lionesses have been fighting for the equality for so long. They are the first English team to win an international trophy since that one wc. They are the EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS, and one of the favourites for the world cup this year.
I love that william is going on Sunday but I do wish he would have decided to go sooner and don't even get me started on his euro shenanigans, and this was when the euros were being hosted in England. He could have gone on so many more matches than he did. And I do sometimes think that he probably wouldn't have gone to any match had the girls somehow not qualified to the final. He's not the president of the men's team, he's the president of the FA and i love him but he needs to get himself together and start doing the same things for the women's game as he does for the men's.
He does a lot for the men's football, even if it's at club level. Look at him and aston villa and he needs to do the same for the women's game to if not more since they are already at a disadvantage as compared to the men.
Yes I agree hopefully this isn't a one off and he continues this and does more to support the ladies.
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I saw ur posts about bono + afcon n how its [allegedly] stopping him from going to real and I agree completely. as another african football fan the way they treat african football is so sick. especially when some of their best players are literally africans (saka, osimhen off the top of my head, sry I can only think of the nigerian ones). Like it would be nice to see AFCON be treated with some respect and funding. But it's not entirely their fault tho. At least in our case, I don't know abt morocco but in Nigeria our football federation is not serious at all and refuse to pay our players properly so I'd understand european footy officials not wanting to get into that (not like they couldn't help the players petition against it but w/e). I just wish african players could get respect on the world stage... sorry if this is long and/or makes zero sense
Hi sis!! Sorry I'm replying to this later than I wanted but I was out of town, but absolutely YES.
You know when it comes to african football my approach to criticism is the same approach I have for anything else african related. There are many issues I wish I would be feeling more open to address, but at the same time I don't want europeans to take my criticism as a way to shit on Africa even more and throw their ignorance down my throat, you know the feeling? So I'm always cautious because it seems like they are not able to realise that if we criticise first, that doesn't give any of them the right to justify their inner racism. Corruption in Africa is a real plague and it's distressing. Morocco has done a real clean out within the federation, they have experts now, fantastic facilities, a youth sector, they follow moroccans in the diaspora since they are kids... what happened at the world cup wasn't just random luck or a one hit wonder, it's the product of all the good work done over the years...if the rest of Africa started a similar process you know? But how do you do it with political instability, civil wars, scandals, europe, usa, russia and china having affairs, exploiting resources, still forcing the colonised mindset in us... and all puppets in african governments who lick the colonisers' boots. If football federations are in their hands what can we expect? No wonder african players born into diaspora choose european national teams when they can; yes it's beautiful to see moroccan players choosing Morocco but I'm also well aware it's a fair "easier" choice (not easy at all, but easier) compared to other countries. In the back of my mind I always think "oh, if french african players chose Africa, imagine what we would be..." it's human to imagine that, but I'm also well aware of the issues and I don't blame them.
Yet, as you said at least african players should get respect. By european clubs first and foremost, because they sabotage them all the time and think twice before signing them because of afcon, and that shouldn't be allowed. If they start to think of africa or afcon as something real, valuable, that has all the rights to exist, they'd consider them planning their squads in a way that those players' absence for 1 month every 2 years wouldn't be an issue then. And we need to support them, which is also the reason I don't say to white people all I'm saying here. Money also comes with views and support worldwide, it's a moral duty really!
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Column Vivianne Miedema | England is the competition, you can also hear that in the dressing room at Oranje.
Columnist Vivianne Miedema is preparing with the Oranje for the European Championship next week, where England is a top favourite. She discusses how that country handles incoming transfers.
The European Championship is coming up and we can say that the top countries have developed enormously in recent years. In the past, the Scandinavian countries predominated and after that Germany won everything there was to be desired. Now you see that in Spain and England there is a lot of investment in the competitions and that is paying off in the national teams.
In England they have a special points system with rules before a club can make a foreign, incoming transfer. They do this to prevent English talents from getting in the way as much as possible. All kinds of factors play a role in this. Do you play in a top league? Are you international? If you meet those requirements, it's much easier to get in.
The Eredivisie is not seen as a top competition. That is a shame for the players there, because England is the competition after all, you can also hear that in the dressing room at Oranje. They sometimes ask if they already have enough points. Eight years ago I chose what was then the promised land, Germany. They do not know such a system there. That is why it is still obvious for a top league talent to go to Germany, so that you immediately play in a top competition and the step to England is closer.
I often advise our Dutch talents to take a step abroad in good time. I've done it that way myself and I think it's good for your development off the pitch too. It really doesn't have to be a top club right away. Ultimately, that is also good for Dutch women's football, because we are a educational country after all.
The system is bearing fruit in England. Sarina Wiegman's selection includes several girls who are in their early 20s, but who have been playing in an absolute top competition for three or four years. You see in England that the development of the national team is almost parallel to that of the competition.
Just like the Spanish national team, which disappointed three years ago at the World Cup, also takes the steps that FC Barcelona is taking. It all has to do with how much money is put into it. If you as a Dutch club have a budget of ten million, it is difficult to free one million for women's football.
Nevertheless, the Netherlands is also developing rapidly. Sherida Spitse and I were already with Oranje when we were sixteen or seventeen years old. You don't see that anymore. It is creeping closer to men's football in that regard. It was already joked when Sherida played her 200th international match last week that I'm actually the only one who can ever reach that number with my 110 international matches. I'm not working on that record. Let Sherida keep that.
We are not going to the European Championship as favorites this year. We certainly have the qualities to peak like in previous tournaments. This tournament is important to our reputation. It wasn't all that good last year. Hopefully the people will stand behind us, we will play a good European Championship and we will take important steps towards the World Cup next year.
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I know you like Mbappe but if it’s really true that he’s involved in the Neymar mess and pushing him out as they are claiming then I am done with him!! Rumors of him doing the same to Di Maria…there is no smoke without fire tbh. At least when these kind of rumors came up about how Leo controls Barca blah blah…his teammates always came out to defend him one way or another but NO ONE has ever defended mbappé against these continued rumors both in the france NT and PSG. I really really hope these rumors are a lie because i have been defending him in my office for a while now (I work in a football agency) and I have watched almost all my colleagues start to dislike him- mind you, they were all rooting for him at 2018 World Cup but all feel there is something off and has changed about him in recent times. Say what you want about Neymar and his many issues in the press but he has always always been liked by his teammates in ALL the locker rooms he has been a part of. This is a fact, you can go through many interviews, quotes, posts etc of his former teammates and see so if there is indeed a problem, it isn’t him.
Hi! I think we can see one old colleague that didn't like Ney: Xavi. Since he is - apparently - one of the main reasons he ain't coming back.
In all honesty let's say: Kylian has pushed Ney out. He costs 90 million. You meant to tell me no other top club was willing to pay 90 million for Neymar Jr (31)?
Maybe him being so injury prone - during his time at PSG - and his lifestyle off the field has something to do with it. I'm not a Ronaldo fan, but 117 million was payed for him by Juve at the age of 33.
I find this shocking and think it says a lot about him.
He went to PSG since he wanted to get out of the shadow of Messi and lead the team to the CL (that's my opinion on the reason at the time). Then WC 2018 happened, France won and Kyky's stardom (especially in France) was at an extreme high. I think Kylian came in humble. Admiring Ney. But with the years to come he saw the injuries and maybe off field things Ney did and something changed. I'm not saying Kylian pushed Ney out, but I do think he made it clear he's the #1 or at least #2 (behind Leo) now.
In my eyes Ney can only look into the mirror and think: what if? What if I didn't make that transfer to PSG. What if I stayed at Barca?
A guy with so much talent to have a career like he has... Oef... That hurts tbh. I know he could have gotten so much more out of it.
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*click link to watch video*
The Women’s World Cup is just over three weeks away and there’s been plenty of media coverage about the bespoke items that players will be wearing in Australia and New Zealand – including the Phantom Luna, Nike’s first boot designed for female players.
Unfortunately, there has also been much written about the players who will be missing this tournament because of ACL injuries, such as England’s Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.
The worry for many players I know is that a connection exists between the boots they’ve been wearing – which are designed for a male foot – and the greater risk of serious knee injuries faced by women footballers.
For this reason, I sat down in a cafe in Kingston with Dr Katrine Okholm Kryger, an associate professor in sports rehabilitation at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, who I first met when she came to Chelsea for a study into women footballers’ feet.
She sits on the Uefa Women’s Health Panel and the findings of her study, commissioned by the European Club Association (ECA), involved nearly 350 players.
Here she tells me about the scale and findings of a study never before done on footballers, male or female – and explains why boot manufacturers now have no excuse when it comes to producing better boots for women players at all levels.
Magda Eriksson [ME]: Kat, can you tell me about the research you were doing and your findings?
Katrine Kryger [KK]: We scanned players from top clubs from Europe, travelling around with a scanner and speaking to some of the best players in the world.
We know men and women have different foot shapes so we scanned these to quantify exactly what a woman’s foot shape is like, so we can pass that on to the manufacturers so they have a model to base a women’s boot design on.
I’ve done groupings of different ethnicities, different playing positions, different foot types and all of that is going to be in a database that manufacturers will be offered access to.
ME: What are the potential problems for women from wearing boots designed for a man’s foot?
KK: There are three main areas of concern. The first is the fit. Football boots are really tightly fitted – or should be because you need to be able to move and change direction without sliding inside the shoe – but that means you’re wearing something that’s fitted around a man’s foot, and a white man’s foot to be more specific. And with a female foot being differently shaped, that’s going to cause squeezing and aching and blisters.
When I asked if they had pain or discomfort with football boots, just 18 per cent left it blank. So 82 per cent had an issue somewhere with boots and one in three women highlighted the heel. They’re so stiff and if the shape isn’t perfect, they’re going to rub on the heel.
ME: I had a team-mate who had to cut a hole in her boot just so her heel can stick out. I’ve also had that problem when the bone starts to grow because of constant rubbing and had to have my Nike Tiempo boots custom-made. My heel cap is really soft and they’ve had to stretch it bigger as well just to get more space.
KK: The second big concern is that a football boot will only bend in between the stud lines. It cannot just bend anywhere and if it bends over bone, bones don’t like to be bent and you are going to end up irritating both the bones and the tissues. We’ve been measuring exactly where that is for women and we’ll offer that to the manufacturers.
ME: On studs, before games I always hear players asking: ‘Should we wear the studs or the moulds?’ I know certain girls who’ve done ACL injuries when wearing studs and are afraid to wear them again. On a slippery pitch they’ll sacrifice playing well and risk slipping because they’re afraid of getting injured. They might slip but at least they’ll stay injury-free.
KK: This is tied in with the third thing we want to highlight – that the outsoles to the studs should be designed for women.
We see women have three times the risk of ACL injuries and the common feature for getting injured is planting the foot, getting stuck, and not being able to rotate the foot but instead rotating the knee.
Currently for men and women the length of studs and number of studs is the same yet when you go into the physics of it, the traction – the grip on the surface and how much you get stuck – is much higher in a women’s football boot.
Women need less than men because they weigh less and don’t have the same muscle mass so don’t generate the same power. When pushing off, they need less and so there’s an increased risk of ACL injury.
The survey we did showed that while women often change studs depending on the surface and the weather conditions, a large group actually don’t, which is quite interesting.
ME: As well as men and women, you mentioned ethnicities before. What variations have you found there?
KK: We tried to select clubs with a high level of diversity, especially in France, and we saw there’s a tendency for African or African-descended players to have a wider foot.
To give you an example from men’s football, one Premier League player signed a sponsorship agreement with a boot company and when they asked him what size he was, he said a size 14. Yet they measured his foot and he was a size 8.
So basically, there was a big gap between the end of the toe and the end of the boot. I went to one club where three black players told me the same. It’s players wearing one or two sizes too big.
Women tend to have two types of feet: a wide foot with quite flat arches and a wide Achilles tendon, and also a narrower foot with a high arch and slimmer Achilles tendon.
The big conclusion is we should be able to cover people from different ethnicities, whatever playing position, within these two types of footwear. That’s going to be our suggestion to the manufacturers – that you don’t just have one football boot but you have two that align with those two options.
ME: This is my biggest take – that you are actually doing research on women that’s not yet been done in men’s football because it’s so conservative. It’s what I love about women’s football, that maybe we can start different conversations. What good do you hope will come from this?
KK: Having an optimal football boot designed for women from a holistic perspective is the dream.
We’re going to pass on the information that we have to the manufacturers and then it’s their job to design football boots for women.
#very good read#magdalena eriksson#woso#fc bayern frauen#chelsea fcw#swewnt#magda article#swewnt article
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