Hello Lucia. It’s a shame that you have the shades and London isn’t seeing much sun these days. I know it’s sunnier here than anywhere else in England. How are you finding London? It’s great to be back. I do miss the sunny days in Barcelona, but the sun is making a comeback. How does the food compare between Barcelona and here? Although, you do have a personal chef, I’ve seen it on social media. Yeah, you know me, I like to go the extra mile, so she’s actually there right now preparing everything for when I get home. She’s a total pro. Let’s catch up, we have a lot to talk about.Let’s delve into something more personal to you that went unnoticed for most of your life until four years ago. Four years ago, I underwent a test and discovered that I have autism, although deep down, I always had a sense of it. I recall being treated differently when I was younger due to my behavior. The diagnosis also revealed ADHD, which is common among neurodiverse individuals. These traits manifest in various ways for me – my mind races constantly, making it difficult to sleep. I have too much energy and tend to be steps ahead, not allowing others time to catch up. My hyperfocus is football, which some mistake for passion, but I see it as an obsession linked to my autism.One distinctive trait people notice about me is playing with my hair, which unknowingly helps me calm down. Have there been occasions where you felt the need to mask aspects of yourself to fit in? Absolutely. I mimicked behaviors throughout my twenties. Initially, when I came to England, I struggled to engage with others, except for you and Yanks. I observed behaviors like Jill’s to adapt socially. While I’ve improved, certain things like hugging people and making eye contact during conversations remain uncomfortable but necessary norms in society.Do your England and Chelsea teammates know about your diagnosis? Some are aware. When I shared the news with Demi, her reaction mirrored that of my family – they already knew. I didn’t feel the urge to disclose widely as those close to me accepted me as I am. Have you considered medication for ADHD? There are medications available, but I’ve chosen not to pursue them. I believe my quirks have contributed to my success in football. Exercise has been particularly beneficial for managing ADHD, providing focus and movement that suit my energetic nature.Are you now comfortable discussing this because you feel at ease with yourself? Absolutely. I wouldn’t have been ready for this conversation a decade ago. Over the last five years, I’ve embraced being true to myself, guided by the support of influential figures like Phil Neville and Serena. Observing these traits in fellow players reinforces my belief that neurodiversity can enhance performance in sports. I’m excited to embark on a project as an ambassador for the National Autistic Society to raise awareness and eliminate stigma surrounding autism. It’s a cause close to my heart, stemming from my own experiences of being misunderstood as a child. I want to ensure that no one else goes through that. Tha
nk you for sharing your story, Lucia. Your openness will undoubtedly inspire and help many.