In an intimate conversation, Lioness star Alessia Russo shares her relief and excitement over completing her transfer to Arsenal prior to the World Cup.

Russo delves into her experience, from proving doubters wrong to her eagerness for the tournament.

• Alessia Russo completed her Arsenal move before the start of the World Cup, providing her with a sense of relief.
• Russo, dismissing her former coach’s doubts, showcased her abilities ahead of the tournament.
• Maintaining contact with her previous coaches from North Carolina Tar Heels, Russo seeks to enhance the physical aspect of her game.

Alessia Russo shares her sense of relief and excitement

Alessia Russo, England’s shining star, recently voiced her sense of relief about having sealed her Arsenal move ahead of the World Cup.

The 24-year-old forward described the move as a ‘weight off her shoulders’ and confessed to finding joy in proving a former coach wrong about her abilities.

After her contract with Manchester United expired in June, Russo became a free agent and subsequently joined the Gunners.

“I’m really glad it’s all done. It feels like a little bit of a weight is off my shoulders ahead of the World Cup and that’s what I wanted,” she stated.

“I hoped to try and get it all sorted before the tournament kicked off.

“Now I can fully focus on this World Cup and after that head into Arsenal. I’m really excited.”

Following her move, Russo and her teammates travelled to Brisbane, Australia, in preparation for their World Cup’s Group D opener against Haiti.

This crucial match will take place barely 18 days after Russo’s successful transfer to Arsenal.

Biggest signing this summer

Russo’s transfer to Arsenal is considered one of the club’s most significant acquisitions this summer. Her senior career, which began at Chelsea in 2016, is marked with stellar performances. Recently, she was seen in a viral video produced by Adidas, welcoming Declan Rice to Arsenal.

Proving the doubters wrong

Last season, Russo netted 10 goals in 20 WSL games, one of her most memorable goals was a headed effort that resulted in Manchester United’s historic win against Arsenal at the Emirates.

This victory was particularly sweet as her former coach, Anson Dorrance, had once doubted her heading abilities.

She not only proved him wrong but also kept in regular contact with him and his assistant, demonstrating respect and a willingness to learn.

“When I was in America my coach out there told me that I couldn’t head a ball for shit.

“That was something that I wanted to prove him wrong with.

“I’ve still got a long way to go, but yeah I think physicality is a huge thing as a nine. “You’ve got to be strong, you’ve got to be powerful.