Odriozola Celebrates Return with Emotional Goal Despite Loss to Barcelona

Alvaro Odriozola expressed immense pride after scoring for Real Sociedad, despite the team’s loss to Barcelona yesterday.

A Long Awaited Moment

The 29-year-old, who previously played for Real Madrid, felt a surge of emotions as this marked his first goal in four years, following a prolonged struggle with injuries.

Odriozola shared his thoughts post-match, stating, “I am incredibly proud, to be honest. I’ve come through a very tough phase, and it was challenging for me. I felt unable to contribute to the team I deeply care about.”

Overcoming Adversity

He continued, “I hold myself to high standards, and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to defend the club emblem as I wished. My body wasn’t cooperating; it didn’t align with my mindset.”

The veteran fullback elaborated further: “About a month ago, I reached a pivotal moment. I was on the brink of leaving, desperate to play, and eager to rediscover my identity on the pitch. Scoring today… I was in anguish. Nothing seemed to be working out, and that brought me immense pain. I consider it a privilege to belong to the club that means the world to me.”

Reflections on Family and Future

Odriozola dedicated the goal to his two daughters and his girlfriend, explaining, “The goal is for them, but I’m not walking away satisfied because we lost.”

He added, “These feelings are uncontrollable. When you invest everything and then receive something back… It’s been an incredibly trying time, mainly because I am surrounded by Real Sociedad supporters in my home. People feel the weight of it, and we are human beings too. I’m uncertain if I will play again, but I will train tirelessly at Zubieta the next day.”

“My dream is for my daughters to witness me playing at Anoeta. I wholeheartedly support Real Sociedad, regardless of what some might believe.”