By Lloyd Webb
Pedro Martinez Losa says it is a “privilege” to coach Rachel Yankey.
The England winger - who has won 26 major honours in 11 seasons with the Gunners – agreed a new deal after playing an influential role in last season’s Continental Cup win.
Losa revealed that he used to watch Yankey he was working in Spain and America, but admits that he never thought he would have the opportunity to coach her.
"She can mentor the younger players and she will help the team, like she did in the Continental Cup final last year"
“When I was in another country, she was one of the players that I loved to watch,” he told Arsenal.com. "With Rachel and Kelly Smith, I never thought I could get to coach them! It is a privilege to be able to spend time with them both and be a part of their career.
“Rachel has to be considered as a symbol of reference in women’s football, like Kelly Smith. Hopefully she gets the recognition she deserves. Rachel is a very, very important player in the history of this club and we value her a lot.
"What she brings to the team, on the pitch and off it, means it is very good news for her to be signing a new contract with the club and making her part of our plans. We are very proud of that.
"She can mentor the younger players and she will help the team, like she did in the Continental Cup final last year. That is the role she is going to play in the team. We are happy with that and so is she.”
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