The first month of the year already has a star at Celta. The sky-blue fans have chosen Carl Starfelt as the Estrella Galicia MVP for January, ahead of Sergio Carreira and Marcos Alonso. This award, chosen by the Celta supporters, symbolizes values such as effort, commitment, and a spirit of nonconformity, hallmarks shared by the club and the historic beer from Hijos de Rivera.
The center-back, who played 353 minutes across four matches and made a decisive impact in each one, didn’t hide his emotion upon receiving the award. “I’m very happy to receive this recognition; it’s very special, especially because it comes from the fans, and that means a lot to me,” he said, grateful for the constant support from the stands.
Starfelt wanted to go beyond individual achievements and focus on the team. “The team has had a good January, and it’s great that the fans recognize this work,” he explained. The player acknowledges that the dressing room has stepped up both in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League, and this dynamic also motivates him personally after a start to the year with some minor physical discomfort. “I feel good and I think the team is competing very well. When the team does well, it’s better for me too,” he stated.
January also brought him a special night, in the match against Lille when he ended up scoring and securing qualification. “It was an important match to advance to the next round. Scoring that goal and securing the victory gave us a very good feeling,” he recalled. The goal came from a corner kick, his first of the season. “It was my first goal from a corner this year and I hope to score more like this,” he confessed.
In addition to reminiscing, he also spoke about the future and the Europa League round of 16 match in which the team will face Olympique Lyonnais, with the first leg at Abanca Balaídos and the return leg in France. “They’re a great team, but if we have a good day, we can be great,” he warned. He expects an intense and exciting tie for everyone. “It will be a good match, especially at home… Playing in such an advanced round is an honor for any player,” he emphasized.
Before saying goodbye, he sent a message to the Celta fans, assuring them that “we have to keep going, with the energy of the stadium as always, and hopefully we can continue in LaLiga and the Europa League to share more experiences together,” he expressed.
Thus, Carl Starfelt closes out a brilliant January, now reinforced by the recognition of all the fans. An award that confirms his great form and the growth of a team that wants more.
Congratulations, Carl!
