Jen Beattie has revealed that Arsenal have always had a ‘special place in my heart’ after she re-signed for the club and she has big plans for what she wants to achieve.

BRISTOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Jennifer Beattie of Manchester City Women arrives prior to the FA Women's Super League match between Bristol City Women and Manchester City Women at Stoke Gifford Stadium on January 6, 2019 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
BRISTOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 06: Jennifer Beattie of Manchester City Women arrives prior to the FA Women’s Super League match between Bristol City Women and Manchester City Women at Stoke Gifford Stadium on January 6, 2019 in Bristol, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Arsenal announced the re-signing of 28-year-old Jennifer Beattie on Wednesday afternoon. The defender was out of contract with Manchester City and the club were quick to move to seal her signature on a free.

When they announced her arrival they only quoted Joe Montemurro but now the Scottish defender has given her first interview.

“I think Arsenal have always had a place in my heart to be honest since I was a young kid,” Beattie said when asked why she had returned to the club.

“They were the club that gave me my first opportunity when I was 18, 10 years ago actually from now, and I just felt it was the right time to push on and have another challenge. I want to win the Champions League and trophies are what I hope to achieve with this club, and I think everyone is on the same page here.

“I know Joe [Montemurro] well from being out in Melbourne and playing under him for a few months and he’s an incredible coach. With his style of play, I think it’s because there’s some Italian in him, but I think the Arsenal style of play is always something I’ve looked towards and admired as a player. Hopefully, it’s something I can play my role within.

“He’s the kind of coach you want to play for and not just for his coaching ability, but as a person as well. He’s a relaxed, calm and likeable guy and I can’t wait to work with him again.

“Number one, I want to enjoy my football, get cracking in pre-season, get to know the girls, get to know the club again and then start on a day-to-day basis. Obviously, when you sign for a club like this, trophies are what everyone is looking towards, and that’s what we’ll all be looking to achieve.”

Beattie signed for City in 2015 when she moved from Montepellier, the club she joined after four years with Arsenal.

She has over 100 caps for her country and will bring a wealth of experience to the new FA WSL Champions as they head back to the Champions League for the first time since 2013.

The Gunners have already announced Jill Roord, Manuela Zinsberger and Leonie Maier making Beattie the club’s fourth signing of the summer.