Hermoso says football ‘continues to give me life’ as Spain bid for Nations League glory

Published 27/02/2024 at 23:57 GMT

Jenni Hermoso has spoken to the world’s press for the first time since being non-consensually kissed on the lips by former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales at the Women’s World Cup final. The incident led to Rubiales being banned by FIFA from football related activity for three years. Ahead of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final, she says “football continues to give me the life I need.”Jenni Hermoso of Spain celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2024 semifinal match between Spain and Netherlands at Estadio de La Cartuja on February 23, 2024 in Seville, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

Spain star Jenni Hermoso admits “football continues to give me the life I need” as she targets more international glory.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup winners can make history by beating France in the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League final on Wednesday.

That match hit the headlines for the wrong reasons though, with Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissing Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation.

Speaking at an international press conference for the first time since the World Cup final, the Tigres star says she still has not fully comprehended what took place.

“A lot has happened since then,” she admits. “It has been a hard process, of understanding many things.

“I’m still playing football and the only thing I want is to continue enjoying myself wearing this shirt.

“For me it’s very important to play in another final, to continue here, I feel good, football continues to give me the life I need, I want to continue enjoying games with my national team and with my Tigres team, and I continue to enjoy this sport.”

Reaching the Nations League final means Spain have also qualifed for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Montse Tome’s side have therefore already made history, as it is the first time the country will have been represented by a women’s team at the Games.

But that is not enough for Hermoso, who wants to get her hands on some more silverware.

“If we win tomorrow, Spain will have made history again,” she continued. “From lifting the World Cup to the Games, we are making a lot of history in a short time, and what better than a team feeling like champions in every sense.

“Tomorrow we have another chance to show that Spain is here to stay and do very good things.”

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