Chloe Kelly interview: Arsenal roots pulled me back, I’m ready to fight for my England shirt | OneFootball

Arsenal forward has revealed her targets for next six months after completing deadline day transfer

Chloe Kelly was at the driving range when she got the call from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

“I was at the driving range of my husband,” says Kelly. “I thought, do you know what, I’m going to switch off for the day.

“My brother went upstairs, put his Arsenal shirt on, and so straight away, I felt my family were really excited for the move as well - which put a smile on my face.”

That smile has not left Kelly’s face, who is beaming as she speaks ahead of Sunday’s north London derby at Emirates Stadium against Tottenham.

The winger came through the ranks at Arsenal’s academy before leaving in 2018 to join Everton.

Chloe Kelly during her first spell at Arsenal

The FA via Getty Images

Kelly has flourished since then, famously scoring the winning goal for England in the final of Euro 2022, but she jumped at the chance to return to her old club after struggling for minutes at City this season.

“They always say your roots pull you back, and they definitely did in this situation,” says Kelly. “So to be able to get the deal over the line was incredible.

“I feel very settled already and it feels like yesterday I was here, so it was easy to settle in.

“It (this has season) has been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times. But I think for me, I know I’m a professional and I know I hold myself to a high level, but I think as a human, it was a tough time for me and I’m ready to move forward now.

“I felt a sigh of relief after I shared my statement. I think it had been a long time coming, of course. But for me, I think [it was] a relief and I really felt good in that moment. I felt powerful, as women we should.

“I think the support that I received from that was incredible. It was still a dark time for me because I didn’t know how my future looked.

“For me it was a relief that I had spoken in how I needed to speak and, whether my move got over the line or not, I was grateful to be able to share my words.”

Part of the reason behind Kelly’s desire to leave Manchester City was she wanted more minutes ahead of this summer’s Euros.

The winger was left out of the latest England squad, which Sarina Wiegman named earlier this week, but she is determined to fight for her place.

“Sarina is an amazing manager and someone who I respect so much and what she’s done for English football,” said Kelly.

“I understand completely her decision and I’m ready to fight for my shirt back and I’m ready to get good training under my belt, good minutes under my belt and be at the best possible level come the summer.

“To be in this Arsenal shirt as well I think, I have high hopes for this next six months and I’m really excited now.”

They always say your roots pull you back, and they definitely did in this situation

Chloe Kelly

Kelly has been united with many of her England team-mates at Arsenal, including Lionesses captain Leah Williamson, and she has revealed they were pestering her on deadline day to see if a move would get done.

“They were all messaging me, because they obviously had seen the news that I could be coming,” says Kelly.

“‘Are you coming? Will I see you tomorrow?’ And I was like: ‘I don’t know!’ It was quite short one-word answers to them like - I don’t know, we’ll see.

“But, as soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth and the girls have been incredible.

“I think me as a player, if you know me, I’ve always got fire in my belly. I think I always play with my heart on my sleeve and I think it’s really important that I go out there to be my best every session and every game.

“From when I was a little girl I just loved the game and for me now, it’s important that I show what I’m capable of on the big stage.”