Alexia Putellas has not been home since early June. By the time she walks into The New York Times office in Manhattan, more than a month has passed in a blur of airports, hotel rooms and timezones. It's her last stop before returning home.
"I am really tired," the former Barcelona midfielder says as she takes her seat in a corner room overlooking the edge of Times Square.
Plenty has transpired in the 32-year-old's life this summer — including emotions that she still needs to digest.
In May, Putellas won her fourth Champions League ***** le. A few days later, she said goodbye to the club she had spent the last 14 seasons growing. At the time, her next step in soccer was still unknown.
She traveled to Venezuela, where devastating earthquakes struck while she was working events for her Eleven Foundation and the Liga Monumental. She then made her way to the U.S. for, among other things, a chance to watch Spain's men's at World Cup in Los Angeles. The day before we talk, she was at the W Hotel in Union Square alongside multi-club owner Michele Kang for her official unveiling as a London City Lionesses player.