Traumatized for life: Jenni Hermoso followed by a psychologist

Jenni Hermoso has revealed that she works regularly with a psychologist to overcome the trauma caused by the Luis Rubiales kissing incident at the World Cup.

Former head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, kissed Hermoso on the lips after the player received her winner’s medal following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney.

She later confirmed that she had not consented to the kiss, which sparked a series of events, including massive outrage from Spanish players and staff.

Finally, in October, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that Rubiales had violated Article 13 of the disciplinary code due to his behavior after the Women’s World Cup final, and banned him from all activities related to the football for three years.

In an interview given to GQthe 33-year-old striker revealed that the incident after Spain’s World Cup triumph left a deep scar in her mind.

Hermoso said: “These weeks have been very difficult. Having to tell it over and over again hurt me a lot. But I know I have to give it up one way or another.

“I continue to work on it with the help of my psychologist, whom I have been following for many years. For me, mental health is as important as daily training, like the hours I have to sleep to be able to go on the field. Thanks to her, I feel strong, I’m not down and I don’t think about not wanting to play football anymore. I haven’t lost my enthusiasm.

The player also claimed that she had received threats for an incident that was not her fault.

She added: “ I think this is why so much turmoil has been generated and, in particular, so much damage has been done to me. I had to assume the consequences of an act that I did not provoke, that I did not choose or premeditate. I received threats and it’s something you never get used to.”

After the sanction handed down by FIFA, Rubiales promised to appeal his suspension and said he would go to the “last resort”.