Growing up supporting Arsenal, Selina Cerci couldn’t wait to join the club and is excited to walk out at Emirates Stadium for the first time.
The German forward, who wears the number 29 like Kai Havertz, was spotted wearing a retro Dennis Bergkamp shirt on social media last year, so it’s no surprise that she was over the moon in her first club interview at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
“I’m very excited to be here,” she said. “It's a big honour for me to play for Arsenal and I can't wait to start. Arsenal is a big traditional club with a huge history and has a strong identity as well. I like the style of play here, and I like the team and I have the feeling it's a family here.
“I followed the club because the women's team has a great development and I like how it's going here. From the men's and the women's team as well, they play great football and I like the style of football here.
It's a nice feeling. My agent told me that Arsenal was interested, and for me, it was clear I wanted to go to Arsenal, and it didn’t matter which other clubs were interested in me; I wanted to play for Arsenal."
Read more Selina Cerci signs for Arsenal
Cerci has spent her entire career so far in Germany and, over the last two years, has scored 32 goals in 43 domestic league appearances for Hoffenheim.
“I’m very thankful for the two years at Hoffenheim after my injury,” she explained. “I get a lot of confidence and Hoffenheim is a big part of the player that I am now. I'm very thankful for the time and the people there.
“I’m very excited now to live in England and find a new spot here. St. Albans is also a tiny town. When I was there, I felt very good there, and I can't wait to be here and make my next step in my career out of my comfort zone when I leave Germany for the first time.”
Looking ahead, Cerci is now looking forward to not just getting her first taste of the Women’s Super League, but Champions League football as well.
For me, it's the Women's Super League, one of the best leagues in women's football," she added. "I can compete with strong players and play with strong players as well. I'm very happy that I can make my first step in the Champions League as well with Arsenal.”
Read more 4 things you need to know about Selina Cerci
Cerci’s arrival adds to our impressive attacking talent, so how is she feeling about linking up with her new teammates, and what can she bring to the squad?
“I’m very excited too that I can play with some great players here and I can't wait to meet them and build a great connection with them and play good football,” she said. “I’m a very hard-working player and I always give 100% and I hope I can help the team with my strength, with my finishing or my physical play.
“I can't wait to play at Emirates Stadium. I think it's a nice atmosphere when I watch a lot of Arsenal games. I get goosebumps the whole time when the song plays, North London Forever. I can't wait to make my first experience there.
“I want to win titles with the club and with the supporters and have a great time here and I can't wait to start.”
Read more Gallery: 23 photos of Cerci’s first day
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