Our newest signing, Denmark captain Pernille Harder, has spoken for the first time as a Blue following her big move to Chelsea…
The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a forward, has today signed a three-year contract with the Blues ahead of the new Barclays FA Women’s Super League season.
The 27-year-old believes the club has the potential to win all trophies in England, plus the Champions League and below she explains why she put pen to paper for Chelsea…
You had the Champions League final at the weekend and now you’re here at Stamford Bridge. How has it been from your side of things?
‘It’s been a bit hectic, I’ve had a lot going on, playing in the Champions League final on Sunday and now I sit here two days after. But I’m really happy to be here and to soon get started, to meet my new team-mates and start a new chapter in my football career.
‘I think it’s perfect timing for me to finally be here, to come to this league and to come to this club. I’m looking forward to winning a lot of titles with Chelsea.’
How important was the boss, Emma Hayes, in your decision?
‘Obviously she’s important in the choice as well, she’s a big coach and she’s a big personality. Sometimes I don’t understand what she’s saying, the English, but she’s a great coach and I’m looking forward to playing under her.’
How big a step is it to move to a new country to a new league?
‘It’s always a challenge to come to a new country, a new language. Now English I have learned quite early in my life but a new culture and that’s also what’s exciting. A new culture to learn, a new way of living and a new way of playing football. The English league is different to German and it’s exciting.
‘I almost feel like I’ve been a fan of Chelsea for the past three years and now I’m a part of it and I’m super excited about that.'
How important is that competition for places in order to take the club to the next level?
‘The development of this club has been amazing over the past few years and I think now I really truly believe that we can win everything in England but also in Europe.
‘We have so many good players in this team and the team is full of depth, that’s important when you want to compete on the highest level in Europe and I think that is something we have here in Chelsea.’
You have reached the final of the Champions League with Wolfsburg, but what would it mean to go one step further with Chelsea?
‘That’s my biggest goal, to win the Champions League and I’ve signed for Chelsea because I believe we can win the Champions League. That’s the highest priority on my list and I truly believe it will happen soon.’
How impressed have you been with the level of the WSL you’ve seen at the minute?
‘I’m impressed with how fast it has developed over the past years and like I said, I think it’s such an exciting league. The games are good and there have been many new signings also in the league for this season and I think it will be a very interesting season this year.’
How important is your leadership qualities to help some of the younger players in the team?
‘Of course it’s always important to have leaders in a team and I’m glad I can come and be a leader. I will be myself from the first day and hope to help many of the young talented players to show them what I’ve learned through the years and give a little bit back from my experiences.’
What would you say to Chelsea fans?
‘I would say that I’m looking forward to seeing them when they come back to watch the games. I’m extremely excited to play in front of them, they are amazing fans, I’ve heard a lot about them and I hope they will enjoy seeing me play.’
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