EXCLUSIVE

Former Spain International women’s football star Marta Peñalver has been sidelined after suffering a Interior calf rupture.

“In February in the league game against LBTL, I felt my knee turn like never before,” said Marta.

Marta, who returned to Spain after a spell playing in Italy, joining Galicia based club Poio Pescamar, this season, said: “At no time did I think I was going to deal with an injury that would take me away from the field for so long.”

San Javier, Murcia born Marta, said: “I have tried to return and hold on to that part of me, that has always believed.

“But it could not be. It’s inevitable, I’ll have to have an operation and have accepted it.”

Marta, set for an operation in May, said: “I do not fear for what will come. I have millions of examples to follow.

“Now I only think of living this new process, with the strength and determination with which I would like to characterise myself.”

NEXT WEEK P2 of The Leader Exclusive interviews with Marta Peñalver.

Caption: Marta Peñalver: Interior calf rupture.