Chelsea’s newest signing Giulia Dragoni fills us in on her footballing journey so far and how she likes to spend her time away from the sport.
Dragoni has completed a summer move from Barcelona to join the Blues, with the 19-year-old Italy international signing a contract until 2030.
After arriving at Cobham, our new midfielder 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 Milan. I cannot complain about the city. It's a big city, but I wasn't living in the centre. I was a bit outside, so it was a bit calmer. It was nice.
What age did you start playing football?
I have a brother who is six years older than me, so I think I started playing with him and my dad when I was around four years old.
What was the name of your first grassroots team?
I started playing with the boys. It was actually my brother's team called Scarioni. I was five, almost six when I started with them.
How old were you when you first joined an academy?
It was that one. I was five years old.
Who's been the biggest influence on your football career to date?
I started because of my brother, but I think my dad was the one who pushed me to be the player I am. I was training with him more and more, even when the team was having a rest day.
I think my dad bought a lot of things to help my brother to train, but then he didn't want to train, so he said, 'Okay, then it's your turn'. And then I started training with my dad. I stopped playing with boys around the age of 13.
What's been your career highlight to date?
I think one of the best highlights of my career was being called up the national team squad in 2023 to play the World Cup.
Who are your best friends in football?
Her name is Manuela Sciabica and she plays for Lazio right now.
Could you name your top three favourite players of all time?
I would say Marta, Alexia (Putellas) and Aitana (Bonmati).
Have you got any nicknames?
When I was young, they called me Bimba because I was playing with older kids. Bimba means 'little one' in Italian.
What do you like to do away from football? How do you switch off?
I will say first studying, because I really like knowing different cultures and other ways of thinking from people that come from other countries.
Are you watching any TV series currently?
My favourite one is Prison Break, I'd recommend it!
If we looked at your Spotify playlist, who's dominating your most played artists of the year?
My friends know that I am a big fan of Spanish music, but I can't give just one artist. I like Reggaeton and this type of music.
What are your top three holiday destinations, either that you’ve been to or want to visit?
Not in order, but the first one that comes to mind is the Lofoten Islands in Norway. I went there in June, I think, and it was really nice. Amazing views...wow. I would like to go to Brazil and I loved when we went to New Zealand for the World Cup. So there's my three.
If you had guests over for dinner, what would you cook for them?
I'm a good cook but I had to learn when I lived in Rome and had my apartment. Orange chicken is one of my best, but I can make homemade pizza as well.
Tell the fans something they might not know about you...
I'm the kind of person who always wants more from myself and I always try to be a better version of me, on and off the pitch.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Never stop trying, be creative and take risks.
Finally, what does football mean to you?
I cannot see my life without football. My whole life is football.