Pablo Maffeo: ‘It was incredible – I’d never scored with my head before’
The defender reflected upon his late equaliser against Elche CF and the season so far
Pablo Maffeo won’t forget his late-minute equaliser against Elche CF in a hurry.
The defender climbed highest to head home against Los Franjiverdes in injury time and ensure our unbeaten run extended to four games, and the 24-year-old believes his goal was special for more than just one reason.
“It was an incredible feeling, and to score in the last minute, that goes out to all my teammates - both those who were on the field and those who weren't,” he told club media. “I think it's a collective effort. In the end, if someone else had scored it would have been the same feeling of joy, and of seeing the people in the stadium happy. There is no greater satisfaction than that.
"I had never scored a headed goal before. When Dani took the corner kick, I thought: 'I'm going to score this one'. I went in with a lot of conviction that I was going to score and I did. I couldn't describe it to you. It's so great to see people smiling and happy. In the end the fans are the ones who suffer, and they suffer for us. Seeing smiling faces and people shouting with joy is the best thing there is.”
Maffeo joined the club on loan in the summer transfer window from German side Stuttgart and says he is keen to leave his mark at the Visit Mallorca Estadi this year.
"I'm delighted to be here,” he continued. “I will never tire of saying it. I'm delighted with the way I've been treated by the people, the fans, my teammates and the club. It's a pleasure to be here. I hope the fans continue to be delighted with me. Sometimes things will go better or worse for me, but I will always be committed and fight.
"The season is a very long race, but as of today, I don't think we can complain about anything. Above all, the team's mentality, how it plays, how it goes to very difficult stadiums and gives its all, and I think that's the most important thing."