Competitor for the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award is Mariona Caldente

Caldente talks about his move from Barcelona to Arsenal:

“It was sad but exciting at the same time. I felt like this was the right moment for me to take on a new challenge. I had a really great 10 years at Barcelona, ​​in football, and on the pitch as well.

“I felt like it was maybe a bit of a crazy decision because I was in a really good place and I was really comfortable there but I think now it’s easy to say it was the right decision. From the first moment I arrived at Arsenal, everyone has made it easy for me, so I’m enjoying it a lot and I’m really happy to be here.”

On what has worked well at Arsenal:

“I feel very confident playing here. The coaches listen to me, they want the best from me, so they help me in that sense. It’s the same with my teammates: I can make them better and they can make me better. It’s a win-win. It’s always about the team’s performance. I think it took a while at the beginning but I think when I realized it a little bit – my position as well, my teammates a little more – it was great.”

On her feelings during the Champions League final:

“Playing in the final, it was really difficult and strange for me. I don’t usually get nervous when playing matches. It was a special day but I was a bit nervous too, of course because it was a final but also because it was against my friends, former teammates and the coaching staff. Everything I left behind and in the same year you’re playing against them in the final. It was meant to be like that and it was a really special journey during the whole Champions League. We’re very happy. Because Arsenal might win it again after that.” 18 years.”

On reaching the Euro 2025 final with Spain:

“It still hurts a bit when I think about the final. We have to remember that we made history because we never even played in the semi-finals. It was a big step in the Euros for us as a team. It’s good that we kept making history but of course the main goal was to win. England were better than us so we have to congratulate them. I think we have a really strong national team, we are a great generation and we will keep moving forward.”