“I'm learning Romanian, it's important for me”

This year's World Cup is a complicated one for Spain, who surprisingly lost to the Faroe Islands and were also beaten by Serbia, after a sensational comeback from -6 by the Balkans. However, a reason for joy for the Iberian handball fans is represented by the game of Danila So Delgado, who reached 29 goals ahead of tonight's game against Iceland.

Danila So Delgado speaks 6 languages: “The world of communication has always fascinated me”

Handball player Gloria Bistrita not only impressed on the court, but also off it, thanks to her linguistic talent. So Delgado can speak 5 languages, Spanish, Portuguese, Guinea-Bissau Creole, English and French. In addition, the athlete born in Lisbon is also learning the Romanian language, choosing to stay in our country until 2027, after a new contract signed with the Transylvanian band.

“That's how I was raised. For immigrants, it's normal to grow up like that, and there are many young people in the same situation. Then, I learned English at school in Spain, where I lived almost all my life (he moved to Zaragoza only a month later). So, at the age of three, I already heard four languages,” explained Delgado, in an interview with ihf.com.

“The world of communication has always fascinated me – being able to switch between languages ​​to talk to my cousins, friends or even parents. My basic thoughts are in Spanish, because it is the language I use most in my relationships, but I also dreamed in English and woke up thinking «how strange»“, she added.

The Spanish star stated that she is passionate about history, linguistics and how languages ​​have contributed to the development of communities. After moving to Romania, in June 2024, she wanted to learn the Romanian language.

“Feeling that loneliness for the first time was overwhelming and hard for me, but I had my parents, my boyfriend and my friends by my side. I had to learn a new language because maybe there were people who didn't speak English, but it wasn't too much of an obstacle because I was very eager to learn Romanian.

It's important to me because it creates a bond with the people you live with. When you are in their country and they see that you are trying, they become more open to a foreigner; I see you try to appreciate their culture, the way they communicate and organize themselves – that brings people together,” revealed Delgado, who already has 44 goals in the current Champions League season.

Danila So Delgado, until 2027 at Gloria Bistrita!

The 24-year-old handball player admitted that adapting to a new championship was a challenge, but she is happy with the decision she made and the impact of the Flower League on her career:

“It gave me the confidence that maybe I lacked. The impact that the Romanian league currently has is very big. You are visible to many teams, clubs and coaches. This made me feel better about my handball style, about myself and the athlete that I am. It also brought me maturity; everything i was missing It helped me discover what I am capable of and what limits I can reach and overcome.”

Delgado talked about his education and revealed that he graduated from two faculties, after which he started a master's degree in Criminology and another in Delinquency and Victimology at the University of Valencia.

“Even here, at the world championship, I work in my free time on some reports and projects for the university,” said the Spanish leader. “My parents always taught me to be an educated person, because the world needs educated people, so I was always passionate about learning new things and being able to do things on my own,” she continued.

Delgado has a great relationship with her parents, who are always there for her, making sure she is doing well not only athletically, but academically and mentally as well. “They are my pillar of support in life,” said Gloria Bistrita's left winger.

Danila So Delgado, about the Spanish national team: “We have to stay united”

Delgado dreams of qualifying for the Olympic Games with the Spanish national team, winning a World Championship and the Champions League at club level. In the meantime, she has become an example for children who follow handball in her native country.

“I really try my best to answer any messages I get from little girls or boys in my town. They've been watching me play since I was little; even my coaches and teammates. This is the part that I enjoy the most now, at this level, because I want to send a message that is not “if you can, you will succeed”, because it is not realistic, but “you can try”, because I tried and I succeeded“, she explained.

At the end, Delgado talked about what's next for the Spanish national team:

“Regardless of whether we manage to qualify or not, we have to stay together for the group and to continue developing as a team, and that's the most important thing now because we're a very young team. We've been playing together for two years and I think it's too little to ask for results or performances already.”