Alexia: 'We are big FC Barcelona fans and we take the Clásico personally'
The official FC Barcelona YouTube channel is becoming the place for players and fans to interact. Following in the footsteps of Marcus Rashford and Wojciech Szczesny, women's captain Alexia Putellas was the third special guest on the day after the win over Leuven in the Champions League and two days ahead of the first Clásico of the season.
The Catalan sat down for a good while to answer questions posed by Youtube channel members and also took time out to speak about the upcoming Clásico, while looking back and discussing some of her fondest memories.
Looking forward to the Clásico
No holds barred for Alexia when it came to the game against Real Madrid. "We are really looking forward to reversing the defeat in the last Clásico. We are big FC Barcelona fans and we take it personally. We have to be full of energy for the match on Saturday. We want to feel that connection with the fans on Montjuïc again", she assured. Nothing new for her, but Alexia knows that “it doesn't matter how many Clásicos you play, you know the magnitude of these games".
The team are in good form, despite the defeat at the Zubieta stadium a couple of weeks ago, as they lead both the Champions League and the Liga F. They are four points ahead of the all-whites in the domestic league and wanting to make it seven. Alexia herself comes into the game with two goals in the last two games and looking in good shape. However, she remains ambitious, as she went on to say "I work hard every day to be at my best. I want to be the best I can and get to my limit."
Motivated every day
She has been at the top for so long, but she assures that she gets motivation from "the day-to-day. Every year is different and I am always looking to be my best and make people proud of how we play and perform." However, it's not always been smooth sailing and she had no doubt when asked about her toughest moment.
Toughest and nicest moments
"The most difficult moment of my career is when I injured my knee. It was tough. You only understand it if you've been through it. The feeling I get through playing and wanting to feel that again got me through it", she recalled. However, the balance is much more positive than negative. "My best memories are the games at the Spotify Camp Nou. You can imagine everything I've experienced, but those were very special days, the quarterfinal and semifinal of the Champions League. I will never forget being on the stairs with the anthem playing. As captain you go first, and you look up and see the entire stadium full..." she recalled fondly.
And when it comes to favourite matches, favourite goals. She didn't have to think long either... "mine, the one in the final in Bilbao. And goals by others, those Patri scored in Eindhoven". Alexia wanted to thank everyone for "all the love" she receives wherever she goes, and also answered some more unusual questions. Looking back, she explained that she has played "virtually everywhere, virtually everywhere, apart from centre back, right back and goalkeeper, luckily", she joked.
What's your favourite way to stray from your diet?
She also explained her daily routine, which goes way beyond just training, but when asked about her favourite way to stray from her diet, she was very clear on stating, "a hamburger, no frills. A cheeseburger". Who knows, maybe she can eat one to celebrate the Clásico victory on Saturday.