‘I never thought it would go so well’

It’s been an unforgettable 12 months for Louise Quinn.

After signing an initial short-term contract with us back in May 2017, the commanding centre back extended her stay after impressing in the WSL Spring Series and has since gone on to establish herself as a key part of our side.

 

Quinn has now been rewarded with another new deal having helped us lift the Continental Cup and reach the SSE Women’s FA Cup final last season, and the Republic of Ireland international says she can’t believe how well things have gone for her in north London.

 

“It’s brilliant for me,” she told Arsenal Player. “I think it’s been a real up and down season but towards the end we’ve really picked it up. Even just on personal performances as well, I feel like I’ve got to a certain level that I want to get to for the team and the club. To be able to sign a new contract again is brilliant for me.

 

“It’s a great club with great facilities, a great manager, team-mates and training with world-class players every day. I think for me, the quality of training has been so good that it’s just improved me as a player and it’s challenged me.

 

“I have to find different parts of me that, as a player, I haven’t come across. I think Arsenal has really brought that out in me. Dribbling with the ball more, wanting the ball more… it’s about always improving.

 

“I honestly didn’t think that it would go this well. Getting to the FA Cup final was something that I wasn’t even sure was in my sights. It seemed so far away but then when you join a club like Arsenal, it definitely gets there.

 

“To be able to lift a trophy with the Continental Cup as well, that’s massive and something I’ll definitely remember for a long time. Scoring in the semi-final of the FA Cup is a defender’s dream as well as a striker’s dream. It was a very, very proud moment and definitely a game I’ll remember for a long time.”