Without much of a voice, exhausted but happy, Salma Paralluelo (Zaragossa, 19 years old) attends La Vanguardia hours after being proclaimed champions of Europe. Not even a year ago he left another of his passions, athletics, to sign for FC Barcelona and dedicate himself exclusively to football. A path that has not been easy but culminates in a treble: League, Super Cup and the coveted Champions League.
How are you after two days of celebrations?
It’s been incredible. We were euphoric, happy. The day after the final I got up, hugged my parents and couldn’t believe what we had achieved; it was in a cloud
What does this Champions League mean to you?
It is the biggest motivation as an athlete. It was my first year here with just football and it couldn’t have gone any better. I’m enjoying it a lot.
Leaving athletics was a difficult step. Seeing the results, are all doubts erased?
It was a hard stick to say goodbye to athletics, my other passion, but it makes up for everything I’m seeing this year here.
Did the girls who experienced the final in Turin prepare her for the mass bath in Eindhoven?
They can tell you something, but until you experience it, you have no idea what it is. I was amazed, I remember it as something superb. I was between nervous, excited and shocked by everything we were experiencing; it was like a dream.
What did you hear when the final whistle blew?
A lot of emotion. I was on the bench with everyone already standing waiting for the whistle. The extra time was very long, but as soon as the whistle blew I ran out onto the field to hug everyone. It’s a dream come true, it’s a Champions League.
Did you expect to be a starter?
If they had told me when I arrived in Barcelona that I would start in the Champions League final, I would have replied that I had to sign. I’m super happy on an individual level, it’s amazing and I’ve really enjoyed it.
When did you know you would be in the starting eleven?
They don’t tell you that you will start as such, it’s something you assimilate during the week. In training you can already see the idea they can have and on the day of the match, when they give the line-up, everything is more or less in line with what they worked on during the week.
What is your assessment of this first year as a professional footballer?
It has been a year of adaptation. I’m happy, it’s been good, but I still have a lot more work to do. I think the second one will be better, more adapted, already knowing the club and the teammates.
The change of discipline has weighed on him with injuries.
This year I was able to train every day in football, something I hadn’t done until now. At first it was difficult for me to get into it, muscularly there are many readjustments and I have had several injuries. I’ve worked on it all season and I’m still working on it. In the second year I will be better prepared.
What surprised you the most when you arrived at Barça?
There is a demand from all players that I think is unmatched. The competitiveness, seriousness and professionalism in training is what caught my attention the most. All the players are ambitious, they all want the best, and this means that the level of training is hyper high.
How is your life in Barcelona?
The family came with me. I live with my parents and my younger brother. They are also very happy here, they like the place and have adapted well. I am very happy to have lived this whole year with them.
She is always seen next to Vicky López; Do they have a special connection?
It’s like she’s my sister. Wherever we go, we support each other. To see her happy, to see what we are enjoying and to know that this is only the beginning, that we are still young, is very beautiful.
Who are your mainstays in the dressing room?
In addition to Vicky, Cata, MarÃa Pérez, also Jana and Bruna… The younger ones do more, but the truth is that they are always there for everything. There is a very good vibe, we all get along very well, and this shows on the field.
And now, a well-deserved vacation. What plans do you have?
This week will be a total disconnection and the next will be the time to start moving a little again. Something very beautiful is coming this summer, a very important goal. I have been suffering from knee problems for a long time and I need to continue working to be ready for the World Cup.
