🎙️ Baena: The psychologist helped me move past thoughts of quitting football | OneFootball

Alex Baena has reviewed his current situation and recalled key moments of his brief but successful career in an interview for EFE, with special mention of the stage leading up to the Euro 2024.

The Atlético de Madrid international even considered giving it all up. "The psychologist helped me get out of those thoughts, out of that bad moment," he admits.

Baena remembers how after losing the final with the under-21 team and with his first call-up to the senior team, "it was a bad personal moment, even with thoughts of quitting football, of giving it all up," he acknowledges.

The harsh B-side of football

"People only see the good, that you're recognized on the street and think it's positive, although it's not, the money aspect, that you live very well... but they don't know the bad side behind it. Being on alert 24 hours, taking care of yourself, traveling without seeing your family, not being able to do what your friends do because you have to watch your diet and rest. Only the beautiful side is seen, but football is very tough. Only those who are close know it. Although we are privileged, we have a bad side and a good side," he describes.

Baena also acknowledges that he enjoys his time at Atlético de Madrid and his relationship with Diego Simeone. "He talks to me, instills a lot of intensity, his talks are top-notch, they make you want to go out on the field and conquer the world," he states.

"I haven't heard anyone say we want to be third. We are always with the message that we want to win titles," he acknowledges about the objectives he sets with the colchonero team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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