Spain defender Robin Le Normand has opened up on the tragic death of his five-year-old sister.
The Atletico Madrid star, 29, relates the incident in his book For Fear of Disappointing, published in April.
He was one of Spain’s stand-out stars as they stormed to the 2024 European Championship title but Le Normand has been left out of Luis de la Fuente’s side for this tournament.
Le Normand said in his book, via Marca: ‘I find peace writing about my sister.
‘My sister died from an electric shock in a domestic accident, when she touched something she shouldn’t have… it was a very difficult time.’
He added that he has had to battle inner demons at times in his life, writing: ‘That feeling of doubt, of fear, of believing that you’re no longer good enough for football or for life.’
Spain defender Robin Le Normand says his sister died aged five in an electrical accident
Le Normand has amassed 27 Spain caps since breaking into the side in 2023 but is one of several high-profile omissions.
For the first time ever, Spain are not taking any Real Madrid stars to the World Cup, meaning the likes of Dani Carvajal and Dean Huijsen are missing out too.
By excluding Le Normand, La Roja are depriving themselves not just of footballing ability but also of musical talent.
The defender is a talented pianist and once said: ‘My brother plays, my sister plays… As I’m the older brother, I wanted to play too. I don’t play like them, but I do know some songs.
‘In the world of football there is only football and it’s true that when I go back home I like playing the piano, it’s another world.
‘I say: “If I like a song, let’s see if I can play it.” My level doesn’t allow me to play a lot of them, but I can play some.’
The first he learned was Another Love by Tom Odell. ‘The one I wanted to learn, it was all over social media and I loved it,’ he said. ‘I’ve put a lot of hours into learning it, and now I’m pretty good at it.’