Fermín López Reveals How Painful It Was to Watch Spain Win the World Cup From Home

Barcelona midfielder Fermín López has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his career, revealing how painful it was to watch Spain's World Cup campaign from home after an injury ruled him out.

The midfielder had been enjoying excellent form and was pushing towards a place in Spain's squad when injury struck at the worst possible moment.

Instead of representing his country on the biggest stage, Fermín was forced to recover at home while watching his teammates compete for the World Cup.

Three months later, he is back with the national team and says the experience has completely changed his perspective on football.

Fermín Admits Missing the World Cup Hurt

Fermín's immediate objective after suffering the injury was to recover and return at the level he had reached before being sidelined.

He believes he has achieved that despite spending three months away from competitive football.

“The thought I had when I got injured – when everything looks bleak at first – was always to get back to the level I was at, or at least to try.”

“I think that, considering I've been out for three months, I've come back quite well.”

His return to the Spain squad has therefore carried special significance. Fermín expressed his gratitude to Luis de la Fuente for restoring his place in the national team.

“It's very important, and I'm very grateful to Luis, especially for the confidence he's shown in calling me up again.”

But the biggest disappointment remains his absence from Spain's World Cup-winning campaign.

“Obviously, it was tough because I think I deserved to be there too. But these things happen, and I believe everything happens for a reason.”

Despite his personal disappointment, Fermín said he was genuinely happy for his teammates and his country.

Watching Spain From the Sofa Was Difficult

The first few matches were particularly challenging.

Fermín explained that he had not yet fully processed the injury and found it difficult to watch his teammates competing while he was recovering at home.

“It hurt a lot not to be there, whilst I was sitting on the sofa with my foot in a bandage.”

As the tournament progressed, however, his mindset changed and he was eventually able to enjoy Spain's run.

“As the days went by, I started to move on, and in the end I managed to watch almost the whole World Cup.”

His teammates also helped him feel connected to the squad despite being thousands of miles away.

Lamine Yamal's Special Gesture

Fermín revealed that several Spain teammates kept in touch with him during the tournament and made him feel that he was still part of the group.

The Barcelona contingent was particularly important, with Lamine Yamal even preparing a shirt for Fermín during one of Spain's matches.

“I suppose I spoke to Lamine a bit more, and I know that one day, during a match, he'd got a shirt ready for me in case I scored, but he didn't manage to score.”

Although the shirt never made it to Fermín, the gesture clearly meant a lot to the Barcelona midfielder.

“The gesture was there – his photographer told me about it – and it's a lovely touch that never quite came to pass.”

Fermín Attended the World Cup Final

Although he could not participate on the pitch, Fermín eventually travelled to support Spain during the final.

Being in the stadium allowed him to experience the historic moment from a completely different perspective.

“I went because it was also important for me to be there to support the team. I enjoyed it in a different way, just like any other fan.”

The experience also changed the way Fermín views his career.

Having never previously suffered a serious injury, the three-month absence taught him to appreciate aspects of football that he had previously taken for granted.

“You Learn to Appreciate Every Day”

Fermín explained that even ordinary activities became meaningful while he was recovering.

“You learn to appreciate every day, to appreciate being able to train every day.”

He even said the injury changed his appreciation for something as simple as walking.

“I even came to value simply walking immensely.”

Now that he is back on the pitch and with Spain, Fermín says he wants to carry that perspective forward.

He remembers how badly he wanted to return to training and playing while injured, and that memory now motivates him to enjoy every opportunity.

“So I try to enjoy every day.”

After missing the biggest tournament of his career, Fermín is now back with Spain and determined to make the most of his second chance.