Chloe Kelly incident that caused 'cocky gesture' controversy after Lionesses Euros win
Chloe Kelly's celebration after her Euros-winning penalty triggered bitter criticism across the Spanish media, with some slamming her as 'cocky'. The Lionesses star netted the winning spot-kick in Switzerland on Sunday evening.
And in the process, she ensured that Sarina Wiegman 's side would be returning with their European championship crown firmly in tow. And while her successful penalty triggered wild celebrations for her home nation, Kelly was not as popular in Spain.
Members of the Spanish media slammed the Arsenal star for seemingly celebrating in front of Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll. They wrote: "This is unnecessary, my friend: Kelly's cocky gesture to Cata Coll after scoring the decisive penalty. The England specialist changed her run during her penalty celebration to get past the goalkeeper she had just beaten."
Kelly, 27, has yet to speak out on her perceived 'cocky' celebration - but did explain her somewhat conventional run-up to her spot-kick that involved a skip and a jump. She said: 'To be honest, it started when I was at Everton, quite a few years ago now.
"It's something that just works for me. I can't explain it too much. I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it.
'It's just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I'm confident in that. Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It's just my routine. Sometimes you miss, sometimes you score, but I was adamant I was not missing two on the bounce.'
Meanwhile, she praised her teammates and boss Sarina Wiegman for making it back-to-back titles. She said: "I'm so proud to be English! ... Every girl out there with that dream: you can do it. Keep reaching for the stars."
"I am so proud of this team,' Kelly added to BBC Sport. 'So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English.
"Unbelievable. All the staff behind us and Sarina Wiegman - she has done it again! Unbelievable. It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it."
Despite the criticism from Spain, the celebrations continued once the Lionesses arrived back on home soil. They were given a warm welcome by supporters when they stepped off of their flight, while the team then received a red carpet reception at Downing Street on Monday.
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