“All I saved saying was, ‘do you consider in magic?’.”
Standing in entrance of 10,000 Arsenal followers exterior Emirates Stadium on Monday, childhood fan Leah Williamson took to the microphone with a Champions League winners medal round her neck.
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Stina Blackstenius scored the one aim as Renee Slegers’ aspect shocked European giants Barcelona
Arsenal might have been the underdogs heading into Saturday’s remaining towards a Barca aspect chasing a 3rd successive Champions League title, however Williamson at all times believed.
“I have been saying the entire time, all my team-mates will inform you all I saved saying was ‘do you consider in magic?’,” she stated. “That is what I might really feel.
“I knew it was going to occur towards Lyon, I knew it was going to occur within the remaining. And magic delivered.”
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Williamson joined Arsenal on the age of eight and was mascot when Arsenal final gained the competitors in 2007.
Interviewed on stage by her shut pal and scorer of , Alex Scott, the 28-year-old had a lump in her throat as she addressed the gang.
“We knew it was going to be a special occasion however once we all walked out right now we stated ‘that is a type of moments’. This is without doubt one of the moments I am going to inform my grandkids about.
“I’ve been educated my complete life and seen with my very own two eyes how profitable Arsenal have been, particularly Arsenal girls. All I ever wished to do was be part of it. It’s totally particular.
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“My membership. My Arsenal. Champions League winners. European champions.”
‘Crimson is in my blood’
Membership canine Win has been at Arsenal since 2023 [Getty Images]
There have been gray skies over north London on Monday, however the sea of crimson and white as followers packed out Armoury Sq. of their 1000’s was a sight to behold.
The celebrations have been restricted to a ten,000 capability for security causes however followers turned out of their droves, a few of which arrived as early at 06:00 BST to make sure they secured their spot.
Arsenal’s membership canine Win – dropped at the membership by males’s boss Mikel Arteta to develop the household environment – was entrance and centre as Beth Mead held him through the occasion.
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Left-back Katie McCabe was residing her finest life as she took to the microphone to steer the karaoke, with Candy Caroline, Freed From Want and Merely the Greatest among the many songs belted out by gamers and followers alike.
“I have been with these women for practically 10 years,” McCabe stated when addressing the gang. “Crimson is in my blood.
“These group of women is every thing you want in a staff and that’s the reason we did it on Saturday night time in Lisbon.”
Arsenal stay the one English membership to win the Ladies’s Champions League and now keep away from going by the qualification rounds for subsequent season’s competitors, going straight into the group section as holders.
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The Gunners’ triumph in Lisbon is much more outstanding given their turbulent begin to the season. They gained solely on of their opening 4 league video games and misplaced the primary leg of their first spherical Champions League qualifying match.
Boss Jonas Eidevall , with Slegers appointed as interim to regular the ship, earlier than being given the job on a everlasting foundation in January.
Slegers had by no means managed past the group levels of the Champions League this season, and her achievements are nonetheless sinking in.
“There have been so many feelings after the sport,” the Dutchwoman informed the gang. “I assumed after I got here residence I might be taking it in, however I ordered meals and fell asleep.
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“If you’re collectively and also you keep collectively no matter occurs and also you need to develop into higher each day, with the inspiration of being actually good gamers you may attain excessive ranges and that is what we have now achieved.”
Earlier than Arsenal gamers lifted the trophy and have been showered in crimson and white confetti, the final phrase went to the matchwinner and history-maker Blackstenius.
“It is simply wonderful standing right here with this staff and all of you,” she stated. “We gained the Champions League and it feels unbelievable in each means.”