Manuela Zinsberger is officially extending her stay for another season with The Arsenal.
Speaking ahead of the first leg of our Women's Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, our goalkeeper spoke of her happiness after the news of her contract extension broke this afternoon.
"It wasn’t a tough decision [to re-sign] at all," Zinsberger said at the pre-Bayern Munich press conference. "I'm happy at the club and I’m thankful for what I’ve achieved so far as a person, on and off the pitch. So for me, it's always good to be competitive with my team together, but also with my little GK group.
"So, yeah, it wasn't a tough decision at all. I'm happy that I'm staying for another season and looking forward to the game tomorrow."
For Zinsberger, tomorrow's game has added significance as she faces her former club. Our number one spent five years at Bayern Munich before arriving in north London in 2019, helping the German side to two league titles.
"It's always good to come back. I played at Bayern for five years and it’s been a long time. I'm also thankful that Bayern brought me up for all those years and how I developed myself. I love Bayern Munich and I also love Munich itself - it’s close to my family.
"But tomorrow I’m wearing a different jersey and that's what I’ll play for. I play for Arsenal now."
Zinsberger is expecting a tough match when she returns to the Allianz Arena, with Bayern unbeaten at home so far this season.
"You can never underestimate anyone. I think Bayern have good quality no matter what position. Of course, we’ve analysed them in every position and as we know, Bayern are a quality team. That’s hopefully why we’ll see a competitive game tomorrow.
"Everything will be crucial. It's important that we focus on our strengths and our beliefs."
With our Gunners going into the knockout stages in good form, the potential for success in the competition is becoming a genuine possibility. For Manu, it would be a dream come true.
"If we could win the Champions League, it would mean the world of course. It’s such a great tournament and we compete against so many great teams. To lift the trophy would make me speechless. I would be so happy."
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