Mariona Caldentey, who left her lifelong club Barcelona to join Arsenal this summer, has revealed she is convinced she made the right decision, despite the challenges that came with leaving home.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, the 28-year-old shared her reflections on her bold move to London, where she’s embracing a new football culture and way of life.
BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 26: Mariona Caldentey of Arsenal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2024/25 Second Round Second Leg match between Arsenal and Hacken at Meadow Park on September 26, 2024 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images
Caldentey, who joined Arsenal as a marquee signing, has long been one of the standout stars of the Spanish game, and her departure from Barcelona marked the end of an era for her. In her autobiography, co-written with journalist Laia Coll, Caldentey describes the emotional journey that led to her decision to leave Spain, with her father, who passed away before seeing her play at Camp Nou or lifting the Champions League trophy, remaining a central figure in her narrative.
‘It was time for a new challenge’
Reflecting on her departure from Barcelona, Caldentey admitted it was a deeply personal choice, one that she kept private from even her closest family members at first. “I think our profession is a little complicated because everyone knows a lot, wants to have an opinion, and give their point of view. In the end, these decisions are very personal and very difficult,” she said. Even her football-loving brother found it hard to understand her choice initially, but for Caldentey, listening to her own instincts was key. “What I like is to listen to myself, to be honest with myself and with my feelings,” she explained.
After spending her entire career in Spain, making the move to England was not only about football, but about growth. “I feel that I made the right decision, that I am living a new and very beautiful experience. Thanks to football, I have been able to leave Spain, get to know another culture, learn another language, and compete in a totally different context,” she said. Despite the difficulties of adapting to a more physically demanding and unpredictable English league, Caldentey believes these challenges are helping her develop as a player. “I’m glad I made this decision. I think it will bring me a lot as a player, also in different contexts,” she said.
Adapting to a different kind of football
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 28: Mariona Caldentey of FC Barcelona with the ball during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 Quarter Final Leg Two match between FC Barcelona and SK Brann at Estadi Johan Cruyff on March 28, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
For Caldentey, adapting to the WSL has meant adjusting to a style of play far removed from Barcelona’s possession-based approach. “At Barça I always played against low blocks,” she said, referring to the typical defensive set-ups faced by the Catalan giants in Spain. “There, the matches are much more open, with transitions up and down. These contexts can only make me better as a player.” The competitiveness of the WSL has been an eye-opener, especially during a challenging spell where Arsenal struggled to secure wins. “We had two or three games in a row where we didn’t win, and those moments you have a hard time because I’m very used to winning. But in the end, it’s another competition, another league,” she reflected.
Despite the setbacks, Caldentey sees the positive side of her experience in England. “We won almost in the 90th minute the other day, and you can look at it in different ways. It’s a nice challenge.” Her move has also brought her closer to Arsenal’s dedicated fanbase, and even jokes that her hometown supporters may soon establish a ‘Penya Gunner’ in her honour.
Embracing life in England
Life in Saint Albans, where Caldentey has settled, is far removed from the sun-drenched island of Mallorca where she grew up, but she is embracing it. Family and friends have visited, and she has found support in fellow Spaniard Laia Codina, who also made the move to Arsenal. “I am very lucky because the people of my village support me. Even though I have left Barça, that respect and that love are still there,” she said.
As Caldentey continues to adjust to her new surroundings and Arsenal’s different demands, one thing remains clear—she has no regrets. “It’s very complicated to put into words,” she admitted, “but I’m happy with the decision I’ve made, really enjoying these months and learning a lot.”
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