Spanish-born, Atletico Madrid-trained player Olga Cebrian joined Brisbane Roar mid-season. Girls FC caught up with her to find out how she got into football, what it was like to train with Atletico Madrid, and what inspired the move to Australia…
Spanish-born, Atletico Madrid-trained player Olga Cebrian joined Brisbane Roar mid-season. Girls FC caught up with her to find out how she got into football, what it was like to train with Atletico Madrid, and what inspired the move to Australia…
How did you get into football?
I had a football pitch in the complex where I first lived in Madrid. I went down to play football every day with my best friend. Every weekend we played matches for hours and we never were tired. I remember that I was the only girl and youngest because I was only six years old.
You trained under Atletico Madrid. Can you tell us what that was like?
I was at Atletico Madrid for seven seasons. It was enriching to train with so many people. I have had many very good teammates, and I think that I’ve learned from all of them. The technical training was also excellent.
What inspired the move to Australia?
What inspired me to come to Australia was my desire to learn English, as well as to live in another country, and learn about a country such a long way from Spain. Sometimes is good to have important changes in your life in order to continue growing as a person.
How did you find/get to play for Brisbane?
After I was in Australia for a month, a friend told me that he could send some emails to football teams. He helped me get in touch with a coach, and he put me in contact with the coach of the Brisbane Roar.
Highlight so far of your time in Australia?
My best moment here was when I saw a really big spider near my room…It almost gave me a heart attack, hahaha. Here your can see nature everywhere. It-s amazing. I love the space, everything is full of animals, and they are enormous. Probably the mosquitoes that are here—they could be flies in Spain, hahaha.
Highlight so far of playing for Brisbane?
My best moment playing with Brisbane Roar is still to come—hopefully it will be when we win the final and we are champions 😉 I enjoy every training with the team, but sometimes it is hard because of the language barrier.
What-s most surprised you about Australia and/or the football here?
What most surprised me is that they don’t do too many kicks! I thought that having bodies really strong gave more kicks.
Which English words have your team mates taught you? Which Spanish words have you taught them?
Hahaha, some of them only teach me bad words, so I try only to learn from people who never say bad words. They only want to know dirty Spanish words but I haven-t taught them these. I am good girl, hahaha. I recently learnt important words for when I-m on the pitch, such as ‘man on- ‘turn-, ‘one two-, and ‘switch-.
What does 2012 hold for you?
My goals for 2012 are to improve my English, and make and then win the final with Brisbane Roar.
