Latest news with #StinaBlackstenius'
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Leah Williamson ‘lived a dream' after lifting Champions League with Arsenal
That remained the only time an English women's side had won the Champions League until Saturday night in Portugal, where the Spanish holders could not find a reply to Stina Blackstenius' 74th-minute strike. 'I had some tears on the plane the day before, the hotel, just some messages and people talking to me,' Williamson told reporters. Just two childhood Gooners living the dream 🥰 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 26, 2025 'I always said, 'trophy for England over the trophy for Arsenal' because I just think you don't pick your country, it's a bit more of a fate thing, a bit more luck needs to be involved. 'But I feel ashamed now because that feeling yesterday was, I think right now, the happiest I've ever been in my whole entire life and I hope that other Arsenal fans are because I know I lived a dream, I never take it for granted.' Williamson, who captained England to their first major silverware at the 2022 home Euros, joined Arsenal's academy aged nine, and has spent her entire senior career at the club after she was promoted to the first team in 2014. She added: 'I think professionally a lot of people would say that you should move (clubs) and you should test yourself in different environments and I've probably made it harder for myself staying in the same place and trying to get more out of myself every year. It's so hard. 'The environment doesn't necessarily change and with the same faces, same people, I'm comfortable in that sense. Arsenal's players celebrate their Champions League success (Adam Davy/PA) 'And then you get a day like Saturday and this is why, because winning a Champions League final for Arsenal, it just wouldn't mean the same anywhere else as it would here. My dreams came true.' Fans began to gather early on Monday ahead of a 10:30 start to the festivities, which included a trophy lift, speeches from a selection of players and head coach Renee Slegers, a DJ, a dancing Gunnersaurus and even a cameo by Arsenal 'club dog' Win, the chocolate Labrador brought in by men's boss Mikel Arteta to help develop the 'family atmosphere' at the club. Dutchwoman Slegers, who spent a year in the club's youth team between 2006 and 2007 before becoming assistant coach in 2023, was appointed on a permanent basis in January after serving as interim head coach following Jonas Eidevall's departure in October. Arsenal and Australia defender Steph Catley said: 'I think she's just brought belief to every individual and to us as a squad. I think if you look at our squad, we're so, so talented, we've got everything there we need to beat anyone in the world.'
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
‘Buzzing' Alessia Russo left wanting more by Arsenal's Champions League success
They are still the only English club to win the women's edition, having done it once before Saturday's 1-0 victory over Barcelona as part of an historic quadruple in 2007. The triumph also guarantees Arsenal a direct place in next season's Champions League league phase – alongside Women's Super League winners Chelsea – after becoming the first team in history to reach the final from qualifying round one. 'I'm absolutely buzzing,' said Russo, after substitute Stina Blackstenius' 74th-minute strike proved enough to inspire the underdogs to victory over a Barca side that had conquered Europe in 2021, 2023 and 2024. CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. THE ONLY IN THE LAND ❤️ — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025 'I can't really put it into words, it just feels bloody amazing. It feels surreal right now, but I just had so much belief going into this game. We all did. We didn't really want to say it too much, but we all kind of had this feeling. 'We knew we could and we just had to go and deliver.' The result means Arsenal will also represent Europe in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year, entering as automatic semi-finalists. And while it is the brilliant culmination of a hard-fought campaign – and seven-month journey under boss Renee Slegers – Russo also sees it as just a first step. 'I feel like that massively,' she said. 'When you win things, you want to win things even more, and also you know you're good enough to do it. 'I think it was important to win for many reasons, but now we want to win more. We want to go back and start next year strong. We want to compete domestically more so than we did this year, and we want to be back winning this trophy again.' The returning champions will celebrate their title on Monday alongside 10,000 fans in Armoury Square outside the Emirates Stadium in London, where the trophy lift will take place at around 1140 in the morning. Celebrating together 🫶 Details of Monday's Armoury Square trophy lift are confirmed 📋 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025 It is a quick turnaround ahead of the next international window, beginning for Russo and England with Friday's Nations League meeting with Portugal at Wembley. Arsenal's victory is a testament to resilience and risk. Forward Chloe Kelly revealed after the triumph that she had nearly taken a break from football after finding herself in 'a dark place' at Manchester City before joining the Gunners on loan in January. And two days before teeing up Blackstenius' winner in the final, England forward and second-half substitute Beth Mead, writing for the Players' Tribune, penned a heartfelt tribute to her mother, June, who died from ovarian cancer in 2023. Then there is the rise of former assistant Slegers, who was appointed as the permanent head coach in January after serving on an interim basis since October, no doubt beating out more proven candidates for one of the most coveted jobs in women's football. 'It means so much, for everyone who has built towards this across many years,' said the 36-year-old boss. 'But it also means so much for the future, because it motivates people, it motivates us, and it shows what we are capable of. 'There's even more in the group. The strength of this team has been to be in the present, and trying to become better every single day. And of course if you are part of Arsenal and win trophies, that's what builds bonds.'
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Chloe Kelly celebrates European glory months after pondering break from football
Stina Blackstenius' strike broke the deadlock in the 74th minute in Lisbon, where Arsenal beat heavy favourites Barcelona 1-0 to lift the trophy 18 years after doing it for the first time. In January, Arsenal academy product Kelly returned to the Gunners on loan from Manchester City, where she felt her situation had become so unsustainable that she took to social media to share her discontent and publicly express her desire to leave. 'As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness,' said an emotional Kelly after the final. ABOUT LAST NIGHT 🏆❤️ — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 25, 2025 '(Arsenal manager) Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. From being in such a dark place to now, it's crazy. 'I was ready to take a break from football completely. I'm just grateful.' Kelly's contract at City expires in June, and while her next steps are still to be determined, one thing seems certain. In January, she wrote: 'I've accepted my future is not at (City) beyond then.' The 27-year-old has made clear she would love to stay at Arsenal, where she began her senior career in 2015, if the opportunity were to present itself. 'Look, if (the final) is my last game for the club, I'll forever be grateful,' said the soon-to-be free agent. 'I know I've given my all to Arsenal football club and Arsenal football club has given their all to me. 'They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. It's not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.' Slegers, under contract until the end of next season, handed Kelly a start in Saturday's triumph. Fan-favourite Kelly will forever be celebrated as the hero who scored England's extra-time winner in their Euro 2022 Wembley final with Germany to secure the Lionesses their first major title. A large part of her frustration at City was around a lack of playing time, particularly ahead of England's European title defence this summer. Kelly has made 13 Arsenal appearances across all competitions since January, scoring twice, and was included in England boss Sarina Wiegman's squad for their final two Nations League group stage matches, beginning with Portugal at Wembley on Friday then away at World Cup holders Spain on June 3. Morning GOONERS — Chloe (@chloekelly) May 25, 2025 It is the final chance to impress Wiegman before she names the players she feels have the best chance of defending England's title in Switzerland. But first, Kelly can take some time to reflect on the journey that began when she and some of her team-mates – including England captain Leah Williamson and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy – were just girls at the Arsenal academy, not Champions League winners. 'It's amazing,' she added. 'You see the journey that everyone is on. Arsenal have always paved the way for women's football and we continue to do so. They are the ones who allowed us to be here today.'
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Chloe Kelly celebrates European glory months after pondering break from football
Stina Blackstenius' strike broke the deadlock in the 74th minute in Lisbon, where Arsenal beat heavy favourites Barcelona 1-0 to lift the trophy 18 years after doing it for the first time. In January, Arsenal academy product Kelly returned to the Gunners on loan from Manchester City, where she felt her situation had become so unsustainable that she took to social media to share her discontent and publicly express her desire to leave. 'As soon as I stepped foot in this club, I found happiness,' said an emotional Kelly after the final. ABOUT LAST NIGHT 🏆❤️ — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 25, 2025 '(Arsenal manager) Renee Slegers, as soon as she got on the phone to me, to give me the opportunity to represent this badge, I wanted to repay her. From being in such a dark place to now, it's crazy. 'I was ready to take a break from football completely. I'm just grateful.' Kelly's contract at City expires in June, and while her next steps are still to be determined, one thing seems certain. In January, she wrote: 'I've accepted my future is not at (City) beyond then.' The 27-year-old has made clear she would love to stay at Arsenal, where she began her senior career in 2015, if the opportunity were to present itself. 'Look, if (the final) is my last game for the club, I'll forever be grateful,' said the soon-to-be free agent. 'I know I've given my all to Arsenal football club and Arsenal football club has given their all to me. 'They gave me an opportunity to step foot on the pitch and find happiness. It's not about football at times. No matter what happened today, the club gave me happiness.' Slegers, under contract until the end of next season, handed Kelly a start in Saturday's triumph. Fan-favourite Kelly will forever be celebrated as the hero who scored England's extra-time winner in their Euro 2022 Wembley final with Germany to secure the Lionesses their first major title. A large part of her frustration at City was around a lack of playing time, particularly ahead of England's European title defence this summer. Kelly has made 13 Arsenal appearances across all competitions since January, scoring twice, and was included in England boss Sarina Wiegman's squad for their final two Nations League group stage matches, beginning with Portugal at Wembley on Friday then away at World Cup holders Spain on June 3. Morning GOONERS — Chloe (@chloekelly) May 25, 2025 It is the final chance to impress Wiegman before she names the players she feels have the best chance of defending England's title in Switzerland. But first, Kelly can take some time to reflect on the journey that began when she and some of her team-mates – including England captain Leah Williamson and defender Lotte Wubben-Moy – were just girls at the Arsenal academy, not Champions League winners. 'It's amazing,' she added. 'You see the journey that everyone is on. Arsenal have always paved the way for women's football and we continue to do so. They are the ones who allowed us to be here today.'
North Wales Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
‘Buzzing' Alessia Russo left wanting more by Arsenal's Champions League success
They are still the only English club to win the women's edition, having done it once before Saturday's 1-0 victory over Barcelona as part of an historic quadruple in 2007. The triumph also guarantees Arsenal a direct place in next season's Champions League league phase – alongside Women's Super League winners Chelsea – after becoming the first team in history to reach the final from qualifying round one. 'I'm absolutely buzzing,' said Russo, after substitute Stina Blackstenius' 74th-minute strike proved enough to inspire the underdogs to victory over a Barca side that had conquered Europe in 2021, 2023 and 2024. CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. THE ONLY IN THE LAND ❤️ — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025 'I can't really put it into words, it just feels bloody amazing. It feels surreal right now, but I just had so much belief going into this game. We all did. We didn't really want to say it too much, but we all kind of had this feeling. 'We knew we could and we just had to go and deliver.' The result means Arsenal will also represent Europe in the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup next year, entering as automatic semi-finalists. And while it is the brilliant culmination of a hard-fought campaign – and seven-month journey under boss Renee Slegers – Russo also sees it as just a first step. 'I feel like that massively,' she said. 'When you win things, you want to win things even more, and also you know you're good enough to do it. 'I think it was important to win for many reasons, but now we want to win more. We want to go back and start next year strong. We want to compete domestically more so than we did this year, and we want to be back winning this trophy again.' The returning champions will celebrate their title on Monday alongside 10,000 fans in Armoury Square outside the Emirates Stadium in London, where the trophy lift will take place at around 1140 in the morning. Celebrating together 🫶 Details of Monday's Armoury Square trophy lift are confirmed 📋 — Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 24, 2025 It is a quick turnaround ahead of the next international window, beginning for Russo and England with Friday's Nations League meeting with Portugal at Wembley. Arsenal's victory is a testament to resilience and risk. Forward Chloe Kelly revealed after the triumph that she had nearly taken a break from football after finding herself in 'a dark place' at Manchester City before joining the Gunners on loan in January. And two days before teeing up Blackstenius' winner in the final, England forward and second-half substitute Beth Mead, writing for the Players' Tribune, penned a heartfelt tribute to her mother, June, who died from ovarian cancer in 2023. Then there is the rise of former assistant Slegers, who was appointed as the permanent head coach in January after serving on an interim basis since October, no doubt beating out more proven candidates for one of the most coveted jobs in women's football. 'It means so much, for everyone who has built towards this across many years,' said the 36-year-old boss. 'But it also means so much for the future, because it motivates people, it motivates us, and it shows what we are capable of. 'There's even more in the group. The strength of this team has been to be in the present, and trying to become better every single day. And of course if you are part of Arsenal and win trophies, that's what builds bonds.'
