Cristina Martín-Prieto came to Portugal this summer to represent Benfica, which was her first spell at a club outside of Spain. The striker says she feels “very good” at the Eagles adn believes the BPI League is growing and will be even better in the future.
“I feel very good, I found an unbelievable club and teammates, they welcomed me from the beginning. The truth is that I am very happy that I decided to go to Portugal”,he admitted to the news agency ‘ Europa Press’ in the last internship for the Spanish team,before leaving to praise women’s football in Portugal and the work of the Portuguese Football Federation.
“[A Liga] It is not professional, but there is VAR and the games are played on natural grass. I think it will be better in the short term. They look at us [Espanha]. I can’t say that the League is as competitive as the Spanish one, but in a few years it will be something to talk about and it will be even better”, he said.
Martín-Prieto also spoke about his first participation in the women’s Champions League, a competition in which Benfica failed to qualify for the group stage: “For me it was new and I was very excited. I didn’t feel that much [a eliminação] like those who were already in the club.It was new and that’s why I enjoyed the process more. I know it was a hard blow for the club and my teammates. In the other 2/3 training sessions they were sad, but I couldn’t feel what some of my colleagues felt because I never took part in a qualifying round.”
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How can aspiring female footballers get involved and succeed in the growing landscape of women’s football?
Interview with Cristina Martín-Prieto: Insights on Women’s Football in Portugal and the Future of the BPI League
By the Time.news Editor
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Cristina. Your transition to Benfica has certainly caught the attention of football fans. How has your experience at the club been so far?
Cristina Martín-Prieto: Thank you for having me. My experience at Benfica has been fantastic. I feel very good here. The club and my teammates have welcomed me from the very beginning, making my transition from Spain to Portugal a smooth one. I am truly happy with my decision to join this fantastic club.
Editor: That’s great to hear! You mentioned that you believe the BPI League is growing. Can you elaborate on what makes you optimistic about the future of women’s football in Portugal?
Cristina Martín-Prieto: Absolutely! While the league is not fully professional yet, it has shown significant progress. The matches are played on natural grass, and we have access to VAR, which are crucial steps towards professionalism. I see potential for growth and improvement in the short term. Observing how they look up to leagues like Spain inspires me.Although I wouldn’t say the BPI League is as competitive as the Spanish league yet, I truly believe that in a few years, it will be a prominent topic in the world of women’s football.
Editor: You also participated in the women’s Champions League with Benfica.Can you share your thoughts on that experience?
Cristina Martín-prieto: Competing in the women’s Champions League was a new and exciting experience for me. While I was disappointed that we didn’t qualify for the group stage, I embraced the possibility. I hadn’t been through the qualifying round before, so I approached it with enthusiasm and a sense of finding. It was a arduous moment for the club and my teammates, and I could sense their sadness. However, for me, it was all part of the learning process.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear your outlook! What insights can you share with aspiring female footballers who look up to you and wish to pursue a career in football?
Cristina Martín-Prieto: My advice would be to always remain passionate about the sport. Focus on your growth and seize every opportunity you can, whether it’s training with a club or playing with local teams. Women’s football is on the rise, and with dedication and hard work, young athletes can contribute to this critically important movement. It’s essential to support each other and push for better opportunities within the sport.
Editor: Thank you for those valuable thoughts, Cristina. As someone involved in women’s football at a high level, how do you perceive the role of federations, like the Portuguese Football Federation, in promoting the sport?
Cristina Martín-Prieto: Federations play a crucial role in the growth of women’s football. The Portuguese Football Federation has made significant strides in supporting women’s leagues and promoting tournaments. Their investment in initiatives and resources helps to elevate the level of competition and create pathways for female players. it is indeed essential for federations to continue to advocate for women’s football to ensure its growth and development.
Editor: Thank you, Cristina, for your insights and inspiring words. We look forward to watching your journey with Benfica and the continued growth of women’s football in Portugal.
cristina martín-Prieto: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.