Alex Sanchez, One Hand La Liga Star Who Scratches History

Alex Sanchez at kissing Osasuna (Twitter @ F9osasuna)

JAKARTA - Alex Sanchez is only 31 years old and currently plays in the 3rd division of Spanish football. However, there is no moment that makes him more emotional than when he made history in football.

It has been eleven years since the striker became the first disabled player to appear in a professional match. Sanchez was born without a perfect right hand.

He played 20 minutes when Real Zaragoza lost to Valencia and made two more appearances in La Liga. The attacker still remembers that day as well as yesterday.

"I remember every moment that happened on November 8," Sanchez told SPORTbible, quoted by the Daily Star, Wednesday, February 3.

"I was very nervous because there were more than 50,000 spectators in the stadium at that time. That's all I can think about when I warm up."

But, continued, Sanchez, everything changed when the coach told him to enter the field. At that time, he was just focused on enjoying the game as much as possible.

After the match, Sanchez received hundreds of messages and calls on his cell phone. However, the first thing he did was call his family to share the joy with them.

"In the beginning it was very difficult because, in theory, I have to pass tests every day but you will get used to it. I taught myself how to deal with pressure. When you enter professional football you realize that some teammates don't want you to be successful and that is also quite difficult. , "Sanchez elaborated.

"Football is the most individual collective sport and you have to be prepared for it."

Sanchez, currently playing for Tudelano club, is determined never to let a disability stop him from trying to achieve his ultimate dream.

“My childhood was full of joy and happiness. I have never had a problem with my disability because I always accept myself as I am. "

“I think playing football is the biggest challenge at that age, but I always have two legs to kick the ball. That was the most important factor for me growing up. "

The player who has also dressed as Osasuna and Sydney Olympics emphasized that he never cared about other people's opinions. Many people who talk about soccer never even kick the ball.

"I think it is very important to normalize disabilities from an early age. Being a role model is a beautiful thing. There was no role model like that when I was little, so if I could help (people who need motivation) I would be happy."

Sanchez hopes to continue playing for a few more years, and will release a book in the coming months.

"Life is about passion and I've always been very passionate about football and the law," he continued.

“I've spent my entire life playing football so I hope to spend the rest of my working life in something legal. I'm excited about the next chapter in my life. "