Lianne Sanderson returned to the States this summer after only eight months back at Arsenal.

The forward, who won five league titles, four FA Cups, two Premier League cups, two Community Shields and the UEFA Cup in her first stint at the club, signed for Portland Thorns in August and admits that it is ‘the most amazing experience’ she’s ever had.

“We get 22,000 fans at every game, we’re sold out,” she told BBC Sport.

“My first home game was bit of a whirlwind, when I came on it’s a moment I’ll never forget – the cheer was just unbelievable.

“I know the best place for me is in America, the professionalism is just unbelievable and the environment is one I thrive in – I just feel like it’s healthier.

“I’m probably happier in my life now than I’ve been in a long time.”

During her second spell, Sanderson made just six league appearances for the Gunners, but revealed that it wasn’t the club that was the problem, it was the lifestyle in England.

“It was unfortunate it didn’t work out.

“Personally, I just didn’t feel happy in England, it was too much of a change of lifestyle for me and it wasn’t because anyone at Arsenal made me feel unhappy.

“I certainly didn’t come back to Arsenal to only be there for a few months and leave after the World Cup but I didn’t know how difficult it was going to be.

“I’m not going to make statements that I can’t back up but I can’t really see myself coming back home to England.”

And it’s not hard to see why when you hear her talk about her life across the Atlantic.

“Just being able to train with the calibre of players I have been, it pushes me to another level,” she said.

“When I came, I had a lot of friends on the team already so I didn’t feel any pressure to prove my worth as the girls know my capabilities because I’ve got quite a big name in America.

“That’s not in a big headed way but people do know what I’m capable of.

“No-one made me feel like they didn’t want me there, even if I was coming to play in their position, they know by having me there we can get better and grow together.

“That’s why I think the Americans are so successful, because they are not threatened by people being good.”

Sanderson had arrived back at Arsenal in November 2014 after first leaving in 2008 to join Chelsea. From there she moved to Philadelphia Independence, Espanyol, DC United, Boston Breakers and Apollon Limassol.

The only club trophies she has won came with the Gunners in her first spell at the club.