Chelsea’s newest signing Nelly Las fills us in on her footballing journey so far and how she likes to spend her time away from the sport.
Las has completed a summer move from Leicester City to join the Blues, the 18-year-old England youth international signing a contract until 2030.
After arriving at Cobham, our new full-back answered some quick-fire questions to introduce herself and help the Chelsea supporters get to know her a bit better on and off the pitch.
Could you start by telling us where you grew up and what it was like?
I grew up in Leicester. I guess it's always just been home for me and I've played there for many years, so it's been good.
What age did you start playing football?
Competitively, I started in a team when I was five, but ever since I could really run I was always kicking a ball. I have a twin brother and we always had to go to watch my older brother's games, so we would always be on the sideline kicking the ball around.
What was the name of your first grassroots team?
My first grassroots team was Beaumont Park, it was a boys’ team. The coach was Steve Brown and I was basically one of the only girls in the league. He supported me in getting into the team, so I was really grateful to him. I started when I was about five and I stayed there until about Under-13s or Under-14s.
How old were you when you first joined an academy?
I was nine when I first joined, but I only stayed at Leicester’s academy for a season because my mum decided it was better that I play boys' football and carry on with that. Then I went back to Leicester at about Under-14s and I'd been there ever since.
Who's been the biggest influence on your football career to date?
I would definitely say my mum. I don't think I would be where I am without her. She's sacrificed so much for me and supported me, taking me across the country, watching all my games. So yeah, definitely my mum.
What's been your career highlight to date?
I think signing for Chelsea has got to be top!
Who are your best friends in football?
Obviously Lola Brown, who’s here at Chelsea. And then Simone Sherwood from Leicester – I've known her since I was an Under-9 at Leicester, so we've gone through the pathway together.
Could you name your top three favourite players of all time?
I would say Lucy Bronze, obviously, then Aitana Bonmati and Lionel Messi.
Have you got any nicknames?
Just Nells and Nell, that's it.
What do you like to do away from football? How do you switch off?
I just spend time with my friends and family, going out for food, shopping.
Are you watching any TV series currently?
I just finished Runaway. It’s a series on Netflix, and it was really good, I really liked it. It's a crime thriller, I recommend it.
If we looked at your Spotify playlist, who's dominating your most played artists of the year?
I would say Drake.
What are your top three holiday destinations, either that you’ve been to or want to visit?
I went to Mexico this summer, which is definitely up there. It's my favourite holiday so far. My dream is to go to Thailand, and maybe the Maldives. I like going somewhere hot!
If you had guests over for dinner, what would you cook for them?
I think I would go for chicken fajitas.
Tell the fans something they might not know about you...
I'm also Slovakian and I can speak it fluently.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
I think it's that everyone's journey is different. That just because someone else is doing something that maybe looks better, everyone's different, everyone's time will come at a different time, so just believe in the process and be patient, believe in yourself.
Finally, what does football mean to you?
Everything! It's what I've loved since I was a little girl and being able to play it professionally here at one of the biggest clubs in the world is a dream come true.