Aitana: “I don’t compare myself to Messi, he’s from another planet”

Aitana Bonmatí (Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, 1998) will lead Spain in the Nations League final against Germany, just as she did against the same team in the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Her goal changed history against the European giants. The Barcelona midfielder, the only player with three Ballon d’Or awards, is aiming for everything.

Aitana, how are you? Back with the national team and heading into another final.It may seem normal, but we are in another final. It is something that cannot be taken for granted. I am very grateful for what is happening to me and for what we are all experiencing. We have reached the final in every tournament we have played. The path is not easy, and we need to appreciate it. You can win or lose, but that is not the whole story because getting this far is incredibly difficult.

What is the mindset of both you and Spain ahead of this new challenge? It is clear. Since we are here, we have to go all out and win. We want this Nations League title. It is true that it is an unusual final because it is played over two legs. That is why the idea is to approach each leg as if it were a single match. If you try to play it safe, it can work against you.

Germany are the opponents, the traditional European superpower. Are they still viewed as giants? Yes, of course. They are a rival that motivates us. We have only beaten them once in our history. It happened at the European Championship, and what a match it was. That says a lot about this team. We must not forget how difficult it was to win those games. It was not easy; they are incredibly talented.

Spain won thanks to the fantastic goal you scored. A truly great goal. In football, there are many moments when you do not have time to think. That was one of them. It was instinctive, letting the ball pass between my legs and turning quickly. The analysis we had done of the opponent was key. The staff help you by explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each rival. We had talked about the steps their goalkeeper took in the penalty area. I remember a conversation with the goalkeeping coach who warned me that Berger did not cover the near post well, that she took an extra step. I did not hesitate and shot. I had that information in mind and I saw the opening.

Do you think the team had a great tournament at the European Championship? Yes. In fact, we did not lose a single match in the entire competition. The match against England was not lost on the pitch; it was lost on penalties. That says a lot. It is true that we could have played better in the final, and we were not very accurate with our penalties. It is tough, because after fighting for more than a month, losing is painful. But we have to appreciate the European Championship we had.

You left devastated. There was no consolation on the pitch in Basel. How do you recover from a blow like that? I had family in the stands and my representatives. At the hotel we were all together, each of us relying on the people close to us.

It takes days and weeks to heal that kind of wound... It gets easier each time. I think dwelling on it only prolongs the suffering for something you cannot change. You have to accept it and move forward. In my case, I accepted it quite quickly. That does not mean it does not hurt. You either let the pain consume you or you accept it.

A new era has begun for the national team. New coach, new staff, new teammates. How is the team doing? We are doing very well. We are happy to be here with the national team. It is something we really value. We get along with the staff and there is a great atmosphere.

What is Sonia Bermúdez like? She is very approachable. I did not know her because I had not played with her when she was at Barça. When I arrived, she had already left. Both Iraia and Sonia are close to us. We have individual conversations to discuss things and focus on what each player needs. She asks me to receive the ball in the final third of the pitch, closer to goal.

Sonia’s arrival meant Mapi returned. Did she speak to her about it beforehand? How did the group find out? She did not explain it in any specific way. She needed her own time, which is perfectly understandable. We all need our own time. I am glad to have left all the difficult moments behind. I had a very hard time, and I am sure everyone else did too. It is good to put it all in the past.

The world champions are succeeding in leagues around the globe. Jenni in Mexico, Esther in the United States. Do you keep track of them? I hear about it because the media is everywhere, but I cannot follow them day to day. The time difference makes it hard, and with everything we are managing here, it is difficult. Right now I am juggling four competitions at once.

Is Barça everything to you? What do you mean by everything? If you mean whether I see myself elsewhere: right now I have a contract with Barcelona. I have been here for 14 years, and it is a club I love and feel connected to. But I am not closing the door on anything. It depends on how you feel personally, emotionally and in terms of motivation. Never say never. I have a contract and I do not intend to leave.

Joan Laporta helps the players feel valued, like at home... Yes. Both the previous and current boards have placed their trust in us. I think we have also given a great deal to the club, especially in difficult times. The women’s team have been important for the club’s image. We have been a very successful team, we have filled stadiums. It has been a win-win situation. The club has given to us, and we have given back. It is wonderful. I hope it does not stop here and that all the work we have done continues to grow. Other teams are improving and their investment is strong. More than ever. This year we may have a smaller squad, which could become a burden. It might already be affecting us. We are the team that plays the most matches in the world. Playing with such a small squad can be costly. There is no room for error. It is important to remember that to compete for everything, we need greater depth.

Returning to Camp Nou will be another challenge. Yes. The club have told us they intend to play there and we believe it will be a Champions League match. Hopefully it will be early in the new year. It has been a long time since we last played there.

You have your third Ballon d’Or at home. Are you chasing Messi? No. I do not compare myself to Messi. He is on another level. I am following my own path. The Ballon d’Or does not change me. I am still the same person, with the same personality. I still enjoy the same things and I am surrounded by the same people. Nothing changes me, and I think that is very positive.

What are those moments like at the gala, at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris, sitting next to colleagues who are also in contention? This year I went in with very low expectations. The higher your expectations, the harder it can be if you do not win. It was a surprise. You look around and see the level of competition. I understand that everyone experiences it differently. It is a special day, surrounded by the best in football. The most important thing is to enjoy it and experience it with your loved ones.

Did you say anything to Mariona, given she was also competing for the award? There was a moment when we were told to step outside, and we still did not know who had won. We wished each other luck. Neither of us knew anything. After that we did not see each other again, and it could have gone to anyone.

Are you able to switch off from football? Yes, with my friends and family. I try not to talk about football. I tell them that all the time. For me it is a job, not a hobby like many people imagine. When I am with my friends and family, I try to talk about other things. And when I am alone, I like to do crafts, pottery and painting. I have several paintings at home. I love to travel, even though I rarely have the time. I like discovering other cultures and other worlds, losing myself in them.

Do you dream about football? Before important matches, definitely. But I try not to let football consume me all day, so I do not become obsessed. I would not enjoy it.

What do you ask of life? To be happy. I am happy, but life is not linear, like everything in it. Not everything that shines is gold.

Personal test with Aitana Bonmatí

Are you more of a meat or fish person? I do not eat meat, no meat at all in my diet.

What is your favourite dish? Cacio e pepe pasta (a traditional pasta dish from the Lazio region of Italy. It is made with grated pecorino romano and black pepper, usually with tonnarelli or spaghetti).

Forbidden food This one is easy… meat.

Are you more of an early riser or a night owl? An early riser, always.

What do you prefer, the beach or the mountains? Mountains.

Are you more of a summer or winter person? Summer, of course.

Between a series and a book, what do you choose? A book, always.

Which teammate would you share a flat with? Alba Redondo or Martín Prieto.

The most expensive indulgence you have treated yourself to. I am not into those things… I have nothing to say.

Favourite item of clothing, something you always pack… A pair of jeans.

Do you prefer shopping online or in a physical shop? Right now, online.

A city to get lost in? There are many. I love travelling, I do it less than I would like, but if I have to choose one, it is Tokyo.

Where do you keep your Ballon d’Or awards? At home, in a room I do not use. I never go in there. They are on the floor, still in their boxes.

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What do you plan to do with them? Any ideas? My dream is to create a museum in my hometown and share them with the people.

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