Chloe Kelly Reflects On How Arsenal Loan Spell Restored Her Joy In Football

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Chloe Kelly expressed joy after Arsenal's Women's Champions League win over Barcelona, crediting her loan spell with the club for restoring her happiness. She played 68 minutes in the final at Estadio Jose Alvalade, where Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal. This victory marked Arsenal's second in the competition and their first in 18 years, setting a record for the longest gap between wins for a single club.

Kelly joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City in January, following disagreements with City manager Gareth Taylor over limited playing time. Frustrated, she even considered stepping away from football but ultimately found joy again with Arsenal. "I said I was coming to this club to find happiness with football and I have a medal round my neck," Kelly told BBC Sport's Jo Currie. "Every day that I come into the club I'm smiling."

During her time at Arsenal, Kelly made 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and helping the team secure second place in the Women's Super League. Reflecting on her journey, she noted how challenging it had been but appreciated celebrating this moment with her teammates and family who supported her through difficult times.

Stina Blackstenius played a crucial role in Arsenal's triumph despite being on the field for only 23 minutes. Her introduction shifted momentum in favour of Arsenal as she recorded team-highs in shots and touches inside Barcelona's box. "I'm so happy I could give a goal today," Blackstenius said. "They said I should try to run in behind and try to stretch them but this is once again a big, big team performance."

Kim Little, Arsenal's captain, felt it was their year to claim the Champions League title. Having joined the club shortly after their first European victory in 2007, Little praised her team's execution against the defending champions. "It felt like our year," Little told TNT post-match. "We played the game the way we wanted, and it went our way."

Arsenal executed their game plan effectively against Barcelona by managing space well and stopping their opponents' advances. The team's collective effort throughout the match was commendable as they secured an impressive victory.

The triumph not only brought joy to players like Kelly and Blackstenius but also solidified Arsenal's status as a formidable force in women's football. Their dedication and teamwork were evident throughout their journey to this historic win.