Rachel Yankey

In the official Arsenal Magazine, Arsenal Ladies tell us more about themselves. Read on for a day in the life of Rachel Yankey.

At what age did you begin playing football?
When I was eight.

What led you to play for Arsenal Ladies?
Vic Akers saw me playing for my school and scouted me.

What’s the most memorable match you have played in?
Winning the UEFA Women's Cup final against Umea at home - what an exciting game!

What are your strong points as a player?
Speed and ability to take players on - I also whip in a decent ball.

What do you need to improve on?
My right foot and my heading.

Name one thing that could improve women’s football in this country.
The game becoming full time.

Who do you think is the best female footballer in the world?
Christine Sinclair at the minute, I think she had a great Olympics for Canada.

Have any young female footballers impressed you recently? If so, name them.
Jordan Nobbs and Dan Carter have done very well and are now important members of the team and I have also been impressed with Jade Bailey.

Who’s the joker in the Arsenal Ladies dressing room?
Luds always makes us all laugh, she’s a right joker.

Whose music collection would you instantly switch off?
Ciara’s Christmas tunes.

What’s your ideal pre-match meal?
Chicken and rice - just something plain.

Who’s the toughest opponent you have ever faced?
Mo Marley once ripped my shirt, she still owes me a new one!

Which team did you support growing up?
Arsenal, of course.

Which male footballer would you say is most similar to you?
I often get compared to Ryan Giggs - hopefully not because of his age or hairy chest!

If you had one piece of advice for a young female player starting out, what would it be?
Enjoy it and express yourself - it’s a short career!

Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I make a great omelette!

If you could achieve just one more thing in your career, what would it be?
Win something with England!