Hello Lucia, it’s quite late now, and while London doesn’t see much sun these days, it’s still sunnier here than anywhere else in England. How are you finding your time in London? It’s good to be back, although I do miss the sunny days in Barcelona. The food is better there, but London has its own charm. I’ve noticed your personal project making rounds on social media. Yes, I enjoy taking on extra activities, and it’s currently in progress. I’m preparing for when I return home. Let’s catch up on everything we missed.I want to delve into something more personal that you’ve been dealing with for the past four years. Four years ago, I underwent a test and found out that I have autism, which wasn’t entirely surprising to me. I always had a feeling about it. I remember being treated differently when I was younger due to how I behaved. The diagnosis also revealed that I have ADHD, which is common among neurodiverse individuals. These conditions often overlap, impacting various aspects of my life.One of the challenges I face is my mind racing at a hundred miles an hour, making it difficult to sleep. I’ve tried different strategies, like jotting down thoughts before bed, but my energy levels remain high. Another struggle is constantly being ten steps ahead, which can give off the impression of being a know-it-all. My hyper-focus on football is a prominent trait linked to my autism. People often notice how I fiddle with my hair, a subconscious way of calming myself.I have indeed masked my true self to fit in, especially during my twenties. Initially, I found it hard to connect with others, but over time, I learned to mimic certain behaviors to blend in. Even now, hugging people and making eye contact while speaking can feel uncomfortable. Some of my England and Chelsea teammates are aware of my conditions, and their acceptance means a lot to me.While medication is available for ADHD, I’ve chosen not to pursue it as I believe my uniqueness has contributed to my success in football. Exercise, in particular, has been beneficial for managing my symptoms and maintaining focus. Feeling comfortable in my own skin has empowered me to openly discuss my journey, a step I couldn’t have taken years ago. Embracing who I am has been liberating, and I hope to inspire others to do the same.As I embark on becoming an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, I aim to raise awareness and eliminate stigmas associated with neurodiversity. Having felt misunderstood as a child, I want to ensure that no one else goes through the same experience. Your support and understanding mean a lot, and I hope that sharing my story will resonate
with many and pave the way for greater acceptance
and inclusivity.