Spain defender Laia Codina says the world champions have become stronger because of their battles both on and off the pitch over the past few years.
The most notable of those was the furore and subsequent repercussions caused by former national football federation boss Luis Rubiales kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault last week in a case in which Codina testified in support of Hermoso.
"As a group, for sure, I can feel it - we are all so much stronger. We, all of us, have suffered a lot off the pitch," Codina told BBC Sport.
"A good example is against Belgium [last week when they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2]. Two years ago, I think we would have lost that game."
The assault occurred as Spain's players received their medals after defeating England to win the 2023 Women's World Cup, with Rubiales grabbing Hermoso by the head and kissing her on the lips.
A group of 81 players boycotted the teamafterwards and Codina, 25, appeared at the trial in Madrid in February to give testimony in support of Hermoso's account of feeling overwhelmed.
She returned to London the same day and was an unused substitute in Arsenal's Women's League Cup semi-final defeat by Manchester City on 6 February.
"The week that I had to go to Madrid as a witness was a difficult week. It was tough for me obviously personally," added Codina.
"A lot of my team-mates at Arsenal could see that there were a lot of emotions. I was up and down. There was a feeling of everything again.
"But that week is done and I feel good. I feel I did what I had to do in that moment and I'm always supporting Jenni [Hermoso] and my team-mates and the women.
"It is something that made me proud, so I'm happy. I don't feel like it affects us right now in the team because we don't speak about it. It is not something we can control, so why should we speak about it."
Comments
Post a Comment