‘I can help us return to winning ways'

By Lloyd Webb

Rachel Yankey says she can play an important role in helping Arsenal Ladies “get back to winning ways”.

The England winger signed a new deal on Monday, after playing an influential role in last season’s Continental Cup triumph.

Yankey has been at the heart of Arsenal’s most successful periods, including their historic quadruple in 2007, and is determined to help Pedro Martinez Losa’s side lift more trophies in her 11th year as a Gunner.

“Every season I have played for this club your mindset is that you have to go out to try and win everything,” she told Arsenal.com.

“For me, it is the same as every season, sometimes it has come off, sometimes it hasn’t. But the goal is to win the league, FA Cup, and Conti Cup. It has to be, otherwise what is the point of playing? We have to try and win everything we are in.

“I have won a lot of trophies and I want to help the team get back to winning ways. It means a lot. I’m passionate about seeing this team get back to wining ways and see these kids understand the identity of the club. I have learnt so much on and off the pitch and how to basically be me. That is through Arsenal. I have learnt a lot and grown up here.

“I can’t really explain what the club means [to me], but there is a special vibe in the way you conduct yourself. Young and new players that come to the club need to understand the responsibilities, you are not playing for any old football club, you are playing for Arsenal. The things you do on and off the pitch, have to be done with class and the manner which is up to Arsenal’s standards.”