ALESSIA RUSSO hopes to rack up silverware wins with Arsenal after announcing her stunning Gunners move before the World Cup.
The England forward, 24, sealed her switch today becoming the WSL side’s biggest signing this summer before jetting to Australia tomorrow.
Arsenal’s signing of the player comes just under a month on from her exit as a free agent from Manchester United after three years.
It also follows an alleged record-breaking £500,000 January bid the Gunners had rejected by the Red Devils before their summer swoop.
Russo, whose contract length has not been disclosed, said: “I want to win trophies – as does everyone at this club.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in and grow as a player – it’s a new challenge and a new environment.
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“The growth of the women’s game has been incredible, but particularly at a club like Arsenal.
“The sell-out against Wolfsburg at Emirates Stadium last season was fantastic, and I’m just really excited to be part of this club.”
Russo, who made her senior club debut at Chelsea in 2016, made 59 appearances across all competitions for Man United, bagging 26 goals
One of her famous finishes on the domestic stage was a dramatic late Red Devils winner last November when United became the first WSL side to beat the Gunners at the Emirates.
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On Wednesday Russo will jet off with her England pals with the team heading to their training base on Australia’s Sunshine Coast ahead of their World Cup opener against Haiti on July 22.
Before their journey former England skipper Faye White and ex-Lioness Rachel Yankey unveiled a giant farewell message from fans.
Thousands of the notes from supporters were laid out in a park near Heathrow for Russo and her team-mates.
The ex-Arsenal aces spent Monday morning reading some of the messages gathered by snack firm KIND which they hope will be seen by England aces from the sky.
Russo’s move will see her join a stellar line-up of forwards at the Gunners that includes Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord, Stina Blackstenius, Victoria Pelova and Katrine Kuhl.
The club have also signed 29-year-old Canada international forward Cloe Lacasse.
Of Russo’s move, former Arsenal captain White jokingly told SunSport: “I kind of think how is Jonas going to keep everyone happy?
“Russo is developing and has her best years ahead of her.
“It just shows her ambition as well even though Man United are building and it also shows the state of the game.
“In my day (when a player moved) it used to be about a manager you got on with who you thought was going to progress you the most.
“Nowadays it’s about that but it’s also the financial side, it’s the opportunities as well the hunt for success and winning trophies.”
Club boss Jonas Eidevall said: “Alessia is one of the best forwards in the world and has significant potential to continue growing and improving.
“She has a proven track record of scoring goals in the WSL and at international level and we believe she will be a quality addition to our forward line.”
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The Lioness has netted 11 goals in 21 senior international appearances.
These include four during last summer’s Euros, helping the Lionesses win the tournament.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
