JAKARTA - Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig said he was the first player to sign himself as a shooter on penalties as his team advanced to the Spanish Super Cup final after knocking out Real Sociedad.
After Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty in the shootout after the teams drew 1-1 in extra time, Puig showed a steel mentality as he took the lead in the shootout.
"The coach said he had four kicks and he needed a fifth and I was the first to volunteer to take it," Puig told Movistar Plus, quoted by Antara from Reuters after Thursday's match.
"They (Sociedad) have missed several penalties, so have we. Antoine missed the decisive first shot, but when I took the ball I knew it went into the net and I kicked it with confidence."
This petite midfielder is one of the most talented players from Barcelona's "La Masia" academy in recent years.
Despite his extraordinary technical abilities, he has rarely had the opportunity to play in the first team since Ronald Koeman became coach this season.
Even with so many injured Barca players, Puig still didn't get the confidence to appear from the start of the match in the Spanish league.
"I never lose a smile, I'm a happy kid even though I didn't play much and if Ronald give me a few minutes here or there I will make the most of it," added the midfielder. "If not, I will continue working, I will not give up."
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