In a recent interview on the podcast “We are Brave,” Deyna Castellanos publicly voiced her displeasure with the Venezuelan national squad, Vinotinto. The 25-year-old forward disclosed that talking about the national team makes her very emotional.

“I love my country, but the national team is not a place where I truly feel happy,” Castellanos said. She went on to say, “I have encountered a number of difficult circumstances inside the team since I was twelve years old. Conflicts and abuse from teammates and coaching staff have occurred. The national team’s public image does not accurately represent the reality we face on the inside.

Despite these obstacles, Castellanos reaffirmed her determination to play for Venezuela in international tournaments, which is why she still does. She has played in 38 games during her tenure with the Vinotinto Femenina, contributing 15 assists and 22 goals.

The forward also opened out about her time at Man City, calling it a very trying time. She wondered what she might do to improve her circumstances after being sidelined after bringing outstanding performances to the City. “I played regularly when I first got to City, and then all of a sudden I was off the field. They told me I was doing everything correctly when I asked what I could improve on,” Castellanos recalled. She decided to depart for Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League because she was frustrated by the lack of understanding surrounding her playing time.

Castellanos spent the previous season playing for Bay FC, an expansion team, before joining the Portland Thorns. She will become a free agent after playing in 25 games, 12 of which were as a starter, according to a recent announcement. She only managed to score two goals and dish out one assist during her time at Bay FC.