Interview

Cooney-Cross: "I immediately had a good feeling"

We capped off a huge summer transfer window with a bang on Thursday evening as Australian midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross officially became a Gunner. 

The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout tournament at this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup with Australia and joins us in north London with bags of talent, promise and experience on the world stage. 

"I'm really happy to be here," she said in her first interview with the club. "I'm looking forward to getting started and becoming an Arsenal player."

It was a whirlwind transfer for Kyra, who joins us from Swedish side Hammarby, and she didn't hesitate when it came to signing on the dotted line. 

"I immediately had a really good feeling and thought it was the best decision. I thought I should trust my gut.

"It seems like a great club, with a great bunch of girls in a really good environment. It just felt right."

Fresh from a World Cup campaign that saw Australia reach the semi-final and capture the nation's imagination along the way, Kyra looks back on the experience with pride. 

"Playing a World Cup on home soil - it can't get any better than that. Having your family and friends there, and the whole nation watching you and supporting you, it's definitely something I'll never forget.

"Europe has more football fans than Australia, but I definitely think that's changed ever since the World Cup. I'm really proud of Australia for getting behind us and I hope they keep supporting us!"

Her big move to the UK isn't without some familiar faces, as she joins fellow Matildas, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord in our ranks. Our midfielder can't wait to link up with her Aussie teammates at club level. 

"I love playing with them in the national team. I think having them at Arsenal will help me a lot more and make the move a little bit easier. Caitlin and Steph have always said good things about Arsenal and I'm really looking forward to joining them here.

"I've always spoken to some of the girls in the national team and asked their thoughts on the Women's Super League teams. It's always nice to get some information before making a move.

"It's a big league, it's very popular and it's also everyone's dream to go play in the WSL. I'm really happy to be here."

Having played in front of countless sell-out crowds in Australia this summer, Kyra is already eagerly anticipating her first match at a buzzing Emirates Stadium.

Yeah, I feel like I'm quite used to a big crowd now. I kind of forgot that we were playing in a crowd of 75,000 people because you're just so focused on the game!

"But I'm really excited to experience the Emirates in front of thousands of supporters for our first match."

To hear Kyra's full interview, click play on the video above.

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