‘A completely new feeling’ – Caldentey on Barcelona reunion in Champions League final | OneFootball

Mariona Caldentey is preparing to face her former teammates in the Women’s Champions League final as Arsenal play Barcelona in Lisbon on Saturday.

After 10 years with Barcelona, the 29-year-old moved to Arsenal last summer and picked up the Women’s Super League Player of the Season accolade in her inaugural season.

After winning three Champions League titles with her former side, the Spanish midfielder is looking ahead to playing a final on the other side, following the Gunners’ victory over Lyon in the semi-final.

“Well, it’s a bit weird to be facing my [old] teammates,” Caldentey said. “I can’t express it, it’s just a completely new feeling.

“I was there for 10 years and I have really close friends there. But, I hope the day [of the final], it will be good for us and not for them. It will be a hard game, but we are ready for that.

“We will try [to win the Champions League]. I wish, of course, we are working on that. Barca are a great team so it will be a hard game, but we will try it.”

After scoring nine goals and providing five assists in the WSL, Caldentey was named the league’s Player of the Year, capping off a remarkable first season in English football.

Reflecting on the achievement, Caldentey remained humble, choosing to shine the spotlight on her teammates.

“Well, it’s amazing. My first season here, I’m just enjoying playing here so much. But of course, football is about the team performance. So credit to all the team.

“I thought Alessia [Russo] would win [the Player of the Year award], she deserves it. She won the top scorer. So at least the trophies are coming home.

“It feels amazing, right, when everything goes your way. And I think with the teammates I have around, it’s so much easier. They helped me a lot to just adapt quickly and I think then I was comfortable playing my football.

“I think I just could settle so quickly in the team. I feel really welcome, and that just helped me to play my game. And, I mean, it’s nice scoring goals, doing assists, helping the team. So everything has felt right.”