“The mood in the Spain camp is fine...what has to be said has been said”

Aitana Bonmatí is back in the Spain pre-World Cup and has her eyes set on making an impression with La Roja at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Barcelona midfielder hopes to make the final cut and acknowledges that in France 2019 she was a ‘rookie’ and that this time around she’s ready for the biggest tests.

How do you feel as the tournament draws closer?

I am an ambitious player and I want to play every game and give my best. My goal is always to be able to help the team in whatever way I can.

This will be your second World Cup.

It will be a different World Cup for me on a personal level because in the first one there was a bit of a ‘rookie’. I was young and a beginner and didn’t secure that much playing time. So, this time around, I’m a much more experienced player and I know how to play the big games. Firstly though, I hope to make the 23 player squad and be on the plane to New Zealand.

How are you and the squad emotionally after everything that has happened in recent months?

The group is good and we are all professionals here, and we all have the same goal. What happened has happened and we’ve said nothing subsequently so I won’t discuss the matter. (Aitana was one of the 15 Spain players to resign last year).

So could we say that the slate has been wiped clean?

The process has been carried out internally and will remain so. There has been much speculation and things have been said that are not true. Everyone is professional and everyone knows what’s coming up. The group has to be united in order to achieve great results.

How much attention do you pay to comments on social media as there are some strong opinions...

I have no issues with this and it was inevitable that online abuse would come our way eventually as it has been commonplace in the men’s game for some time now. I really don’t give it any importance.

What’s it like playing with Ballon d’Or winner Alexia?

She’s very easy to play with and we understand each other very well. We’ve been playing together for many years, in the end when you see the game in the same way, not just with Alexia but with many players. With Mariona, with Patri, this year with Walsh, with Pina, with Ingrid... they are players with whom it is very easy to play alongside.

You are already recognized worldwide and are considered as one of the major stars of the women’s game.

Yes, I’m now getting recognized on the street and this is generally is a source of pride for me. Being a reference point for young girls and boys is really special. Behind this however are years of hard work but I love how people buy a shirt with my name and ask for photos... I always try to return the love that people give me.

Looking back on your career, were there hardships along the way?

When I played in the lower categories at FC Barcelona, I had to go and return by bus and it took an hour and forty-five minutes each way. At first I went with my father, then I started to make the trip alone. I had to leave at home at five to train and got home each day well past midnight. At times, I did wonder if it was all worth it as at the time women’s football was not professional.

Did you ever think about throwing in the towel?

I have had those moments, yes. Back then it was difficult to have a goal as the game wasn’t professional. I was tired all the time and it was hard for me to get up in the morning to go to school.

You have been close to winning the Ballon d’Or and shining at a World Cup could bring this even closer…

I am aware that both I and the team, Barcelona, have had a magnificent year. Now I’m focused on the World Cup and what has to come will come...