Leah Williamson has been Arsenal through and through her whole life.
Having grown up as a Gunners fan, she was our mascot when we won the Uefa Women’s Cup in 2007 and after progressing through our academy sides, made her first-team debut alongside childhood hero, Kelly Smith.
Williamson has since established herself as a key figure in our side and the 20-year-old was understandably delighted to have signed a new long-term contract on Thursday.
“It feels unbelievable,” she told Arsenal Player. “This is obviously my club, the team that I’ve supported my whole life, and I couldn’t be happier to be here. I definitely wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“Obviously there’s loads to consider. I’m young, we had a change in manager and things like that, but I couldn’t be happier with the appointment. Joe’s a great guy and he’s taught me a lot already. I can feel myself growing week in, week out, so by the end there’s absolutely no hesitation. This is where I want to be.
“Even putting on the training kit, coming to work every day, being in these facilities - I know how lucky I am, especially to be in my position at my age. To be at a club where I am actually a fan, I’m just blown away all the time.
“I’m very passionate about Arsenal. I’m obviously very passionate about football but to do in an Arsenal shirt, to perform in an Arsenal shirt - I want to give everything I can for the club and the [Continental Cup win] felt like a real turning point. We can really push on from that and I really hope that’s the start of something new.”
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