How often do people talk to you about the final? Are you stopped in the street?
My friends and family still ask me about and I could talk about winning the Champions League all day, so I’m more than happy to oblige. Everyone knows how big the Arsenal fanbase is, so to have won the trophy for them as well was really something. I couldn’t believe how many of our supporters were out there in Lisbon. They were manifesting it before we were, with all the songs they sang along the way. I think it’s so special to have a community that wanted us to win so badly. We really felt that as players.
How old were you when we won the trophy for the first time in 2007, and how much did you know about it?
I would have been eight at the time, playing for Charlton Academy. I don’t think I would have heard much about our first Champions League win but I did get the opportunity to watch a lot of women’s football growing up, which wasn’t a given back then. I used to go to Charlton games with my dad and went to the London Olympics in 2012. You had to be at the stadiums to see women play football. I was fortunate enough to see the likes of Casey Stoney, Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey play at a very formative age. I have very fond memories of growing up with those heroes, and now it’s even easier for young girls to have that. For young girls to feel the atmosphere at the Emirates, watch highlights on TV or hear us share our journeys on podcasts, that’s really special. You have to see something to really believe in it and the generation coming through really has people to aspire towards. I understand that I’m fortunate enough to be at a level with Arsenal and England that being in the public eye is part of the job, but I don’t spend a lot of time focusing on it. What I want to do is play the best I can, help the team the best I can, and always be myself. And if that inspires people, then that’s great.
How many, if any, of those players did you know before the pre-Lisbon lunch at the training ground? Was it inspirational to hear from them?
Speaking with the 2007 squad before the final was so great. I think when you come to Arsenal, you’re aware of the history of the club and the legacy that players in the past have built, and it really does feel like a special place. Even the relationships that the former players have with current players, staff and club in general – they really are Arsenal’s biggest fans. I was on a table with Lianne Sanderson, who’s great and always has a story to tell. She’s someone that again loves Arsenal so much, and to be with someone who loves the club that you play at is really inspiring. I think it says a lot about the club when players move on but still have such a strong connection to the badge. For us current players, seeing that makes you feel an even stronger connection because you know what’s been built over a long period of time. It is a privilege to play for Arsenal.