Mariona, Spain's quietest leader: "Since I went to England, I've abandoned the piano."

Mariona Caldentey (Felanitx, 1996) never knows where she'll come from, neither on the pitch nor during a conversation. Keeping a low profile in all the controversies, she also never holds back when talking about the problems of her homeland and her generation. At 29, she clearly has football under control. That's why she's been such a sensation in her first year in the Premier League with Arsenal (with whom she won the Champions League against her former Barça teammates) and will figure on the shortlist of strong candidates for the Ballon d'Or . She, who never loses her smile, knows that will depend on Spain's performance in this European Championship. A tournament where the ball started rolling yesterday and is doing so today for Montse Tomé 's team, which faces Portugal in the first matchday of the group. Always the toughest match.

Is there no concentration without accidents?

It's true that the training camp has gotten off to a bit of a bumpy start. Things like Aitana's [admission for a bout of meningitis] are scary, especially when you don't know if it could be serious, but we're already thrilled she's here because she's very important to us. The European Championship is a big goal, and we're now focusing on the tournament.

There have been many changes since Euro 2022. Is everything closer to what you were hoping for?

Right now, the position we're in is privileged. We have everything we need to focus on playing and performing. And then, on top of that, all the people who follow us, who support us... that's also changed a lot, luckily. They're excited about us.

How has your relationship with Montse Tomé changed since that Oliva training camp? She speaks highly of you, and you've brought her into the captain's group...

The Oliva training camp was tough and intense, but we've adapted and continued to grow together, becoming a team, and I think, as I said, we're in a very good place. We feel listened to, and that makes you feel comfortable.

He has published a book, I don't know if as therapy or as a way of letting off steam...

It's been a review of everything. They talk about a lot of things in my life, not just everything that happens with the national team.

A year ago, he left the oasis of Barça for Arsenal and has won the Champions League again...

As a footballer, it's helped me grow a lot because I've been at Barça for 10 years, playing the same football with the same players. I was super comfortable and it was, so to speak, easy. It's been a challenge adapting to the Premier League, a more up-and-down game, the defensive and physical aspects... I can say it's been a very positive experience after this first year.

Best player, 18 goals, nine assists... What an adaptation she's had!

The truth is that my first league goal took a while to come, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. We're still craving the league title, and we'll be going for it next year.

Is it inevitable to consider Mariona for the Ballon d'Or?

We always say, because it's true, that the important thing is the collective titles, but hopefully on an individual level we're in good enough shape to win. And if we win this European Championship, it will help ensure the Ballon d'Or stays in Spain, too.

She would be the third Spanish woman to win and the third to be raised at Barça. Is this a coincidence or does it reflect a way of working?

There's always been a wealth of talent in Spain, and the moment that talent has been unleashed, the results are coming. Aita and Ale are the two greatest exponents, but there are other very good players like Patri Guijarro, Ona Batlle, and Vicky Losada, who is already emerging. It's no coincidence. The talent we have in Spain isn't found anywhere else. And it was only a matter of time before that talent could flourish.

Tired of living without sunshine, ham, and driving on the left? Plus, of course, English, which isn't always a simple matter...

The sun rises [laughs], but there are months, especially January, when it's dark by four o'clock. And that's hard. Like the food, which is different. I've mastered driving on the left after blowing out my tires and hitting several curbs. Now I find that when I return to Spain, I have to think about where I'm going. With the language, I thought I had a good foundation, but it's true that when a lot of people are talking at once and they're speaking very quickly, it's difficult. At some point, I said to myself, "Maybe you don't know that much English." I've improved a lot, although I don't know if I'll remember after the summer of speaking Mallorcan.

And the piano?

Since I went to England, I've been abandoned. I don't have a keyboard there, and it's been a year of adapting to many things. As soon as I'm more settled and calmer, I'll put a keyboard back in my house, because it's something I really like.

At 29, she owns a house in Mallorca. She must be privileged among her group, given the island's housing problem. Well, everywhere, but especially on the island...

When I bought my house in Mallorca, I was 26 or 27, and I did it alone. It's truly a blessing. We're privileged. I have friends who have taken out a mortgage and have been able to buy, or who have inherited from their grandparents, but it's not easy.

Has mass tourism arrived in Fenalitx?

Tourism is out of control right now, and that's how we feel in Mallorca. I was there for two weeks and it was a shock, even though my town isn't one of the most touristy and it was still June... Tourism is a huge concern on the islands, and somehow it needs to be controlled and regulated, because otherwise, life is simply not a life for the locals.

Is there a women's team in Felanitx playing at Mariona Caldentey?

Not yet, but Collerense, a pioneer, is on the island, and now Atlético Baleares. More and more people want to play on the islands, and there are more role models, like Patri Guijarro and Cata Coll. Hopefully, this will help continue to increase football fandom in the future.

You grew up playing with boys; there was no other option. Is it better or worse? Are you for or against mixed-gender teams in youth football?

I loved playing with boys, and until the physical change happened, I liked the mixed teams in youth football. For many years, I was the only girl, and what you want is to have fun, although it also makes you wake up and look for your chestnuts.