Sevilla hero Luuk de Jong: ‘I am ready when I am needed’ | Football

sport">“I have always said that I am ready when I am needed,” said the 29-year-old striker who admitted that he had had a hard time in the games in which he was not allowed to start. “These are the times when you can show yourself. Fortunately for me it worked out well and I was able to score the winning goal. ”

sport">De Jong started the game against United on the bench and was brought in by coach Julen Lopetegui in the 56th minute. At that time, the Spaniards had struggled to defend the 1-1 against the English who were unable to take advantage of several great opportunities.

“It feels fantastic to be in the final”

sport">De Jong had not been able to score in the past eleven matches he played for Sevilla. His last league goal was on June 15 in the 1-1 against Levante, but his goals are often important, like this one after a cross by Jesús Navas.

sport">At UEFA.com, the attacker looked back on his goal. “I know how Navas plays on the flank and that he always tries to get past the defender to cross quickly. I think the ball was slightly diverted, so the central defenders couldn’t respond well. I ran to goal, hoping the ball hit the right place. The cross was perfect. ”

sport">“It feels fantastic to be in the final”, said the match winner. “We played really well and had a great goalkeeper. Now we can calmly watch the second semifinal and hope that they need 120 minutes and more to determine a winner. ”

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