Seasoned Valencia Femenino defender Maria Jimenez waited patiently at Ciudad Deportiva Valencia CF Training Ground while we, Team Junpiter Futbol were feeling nervous and rushing the interview setup onsite. Just when we were worried about the unfamiliar Spanish language which we would be expecting for the interview, the UEFA Women’s U-`19 Championship Winner calmed us down with her near-perfect English! So how did the 22-year-old pick up football? How does it feel to be representing a huge club like Valencia? And what is her take in overseas football? Let Maria speaks our language…
Out of so many sports, why you picked football?
I would say it’s all in the family. My parents play football, my siblings play football, so naturally I also picked up the sport. I still remember there was once I followed my brother to his football game, I was so amazed by that experience. That very moment, I just turned to my dad and told him I wanted to play football too!
You’re playing for a huge team like Valencia, does it get you a lot of attention?
Not only me, actually all of us know that we are playing for a big club and we know that we have the responsibility to do well. And yes, it’s a dream to be able to play for such a big club. Just a few years ago, not many people would be interested in women’s football but the landscape has changed these days. More and more people are getting involved in women’s football and they are starting to know us. Even when I get home back in Alicante, everyone will say, hey the Valencia player is home! (Boys approaching you for photos and autographs too?) Yes, haha!
Photo courtesy of Valencia CF
You have won the UEFA U-19 Championship with Spain in 2018. Tell us more about that!
That is the most amazing thing that ever happened to me. Whenever people ask, I will tell them it’s like a dream come true, an experience that I will never forget. I recalled it was not an easy Final against the Germans. It was a tough match but when we scored with just 10 minutes left to go, we went wild! The tournament was just perfect and I am glad that we managed to make it ours. And I also have to add, that year, we had the best team ever, both on and off the pitch!
You’re one of the most seasoned players at Valencia, which has to be your best memory so far?
My debut match against CD. Tacon (currently known as Real Madrid Womens) in 2019. I was in the starting eleven at just 18 years old. I was nervous but I managed to put in a good account for myself. After the game, I felt happy and satisfied with my performance. The entire Valencia team was there to give me the best support in such a special game too! I am forever grateful to the team and thankful for such opportunity.
What target have you set for yourself in the next 5 years? Playing overseas?
My goal has been very clear and simple, I just want to continue to train hard and improve every day as a player. So in the next 5 years, I would like to see myself becoming a better player and continuing to do my best for Valencia. Then again, of course as a footballer, I’d love to challenge myself overseas if the right opportunity ever comes. But for now, I am focusing on my role here at Valencia. I love the team, I love the city, I love the people here, but never say never.
Photos: Junpiter Futbol
Talk about overseas football, (we are from Asia!) would you consider Asia’s Japanese League, Taiwanese League and perhaps Singapore Womens League?
Of course, I will. I mean this is the first time I am presented with such a question, I have never really thought about it. There’s a huge difference in the culture, language, etc, but as a professional, I certainly love to challenge myself. So although I do not know much about those leagues in Asia, I will consider it if such an opportunity arises.
One piece of advice for a young player who wants to be like you playing at the highest level?
My advice for the younger one is to enjoy the game. Once you’re enjoying the process, you would want to continue to improve and will train hard. I am an example. I enjoy playing the game and hence I want to train hard to improve everything as a player. Just enjoy the game.
Thank you Valencia CF for this interview. Special mention to Ace Global Accountants and Auditors, a trusted and reliable Accounting and Business Consultanc based in Singapore. (Main Photo: Courtesy of Valencia CF)
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