Adriana Martín Santamaría is one of the new Málaga CF Femenino strikers for the 2017-18 season. She started playing at just 5 years of age, and her extensive career has led to her being a regular fixture with the Spain squad, and she’s even played in the United States. We speak to the striker and take a close look to find out everything about her.

When did you start playing football?

I was 4 when I moved from Teruel to Barcelona with my family. My parents have always been very sporty, and as soon as we arrived, my father started playing with the local team. I used to go and watch him play every weekend with my football, and every time there was a break I’d step on to the pitch and play a little. At 5 years old, the Club asked me if I wanted to play on the boy’s team, I had a test and was accepted for the team. I was the only girl, but I was always treated as part of the team and never had a bad word said to me or any macho comments. I was very lucky to start playing at U.E. Vilassar de Mar.

How would you define yourself on the pitch?

I’m a versatile player, I can adapt to any position, midfielder, winger, striker…a team player who always tries to do her best. I’m very competitive and demanding on myself. Skilful and intelligent with the ball and with a good sense of goal.

You’ve been to the U.S., how was the experience and what’s football like over there?

Playing there was a dream, alongside the best players in the world. Some were Ballon d’Or, so being able to share the dressing room and learn from them was a unique experience. Sport is practiced very differently over there compared to here. There are many fans of women’s football and the players are true stars, who don’t go unnoticed when they walk down the street. Both the Federation and major brands support and sponsor the league, which makes being professional so much easier.

Talking about Málaga, why did you decide to continue your career here?

I received a call from the sports director presenting me with the project that Málaga want to undertake this season. From the very first moment I was excited with what I saw, although I was under the orders of Levante, a team with whom I’ve always done very well. It represents a new challenge ahead, and I am looking forward to doing something important. The decision was easy, as Málaga is a great Club.

What can you bring to the team and what can the team do for you?

Due to the number of years I’ve been playing, I can bring my experience both on and off the pitch, but I feel like an excited girl in the face of achieving the objectives we want to achieve. In regard to hard work, intensity and commitment, I won’t miss one day. It’s a good time for me now after my injury, and my aim is to give my all so I can be available to the coach. On the pitch I can bring leadership, ball possession, intelligence, goals and assists.

The groundwork is being completed for a project for the future. How do you see it?

When I was introduced to the project the Club wants to take forward, I thought they were being completely serious. They told me the aim is to return to the Liga Iberdrola and with a view to moving up. Málaga deserve to be in the top flight, and I’m convinced that with the hard work and commitment, we’ll do it”.

You’ve worked with Antonio Contreras, the new team coach. How would you define him?

The fact that Antonio is the coach made my decision to move more straightforward. I was under his orders during my first season at Levante, and I can assure you I learnt a great deal. He’s a very intense, ambitious coach, who never lets you relax. He works for the team, ensuring he gets the best out of himself and the players.

What do you expect from the 2017-18 season?

I hope it’s a great year which sees us return to the top category, which is what the team deserves. I’ll do my bit to try and make the Club even bigger than it already is. I hope the injuries respect us and we enjoy the season. We need to get off to a winning start to pave the way. I hope it’ll be an unforgettable year for us all.

‘Under the microscope’

Do you have any nickname your friends call you? I don’t have a nickname, I’m know as Adriana or Adri.

A book…  The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

A band or song… Marc Anthony

A hobby other than football… I like to play other sports such as paddle tennis. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the cinema and shopping…

Qualities: Resilience, positivity...

Flaws: Stubborn, perfectionist...