Photo: Presidencia El Salvador from San Salvador, El Salvador, América Central / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons
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Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish international goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez from Real Madrid, the Women's Super League club announced on Wednesday.
"I'm very happy and proud to be part of this great club," Rodriguez said in her first interview after joining. "I'm really looking forward to meeting all my teammates and can't wait to get started in pre-season."
Rodriguez spent six years at Real Madrid, where she became the club's all-time most-capped player after making her 200th appearance in January. The move to Arsenal represents her first transfer away from the Spanish capital.
The goalkeeper cited conversations with Arsenal's existing Spanish internationals as a factor in her decision. "With Mariona and Codi, yes, I've spoken to them," she said, referring to Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina. "They are very happy that I have made the move to Arsenal. I know that Mariona will help me a lot, likewise with Ona [Batlle]; they are my teammates and friends. I'm sure we will have a great year."
Rodriguez described her playing style as vocal and proactive. "I'm very intense. I like to be vocal and help the defence from behind. I understand the game very well – I try to adapt to what is needed in every moment of the game."
Having faced Arsenal on multiple occasions in the UEFA Women's Champions League while at Real Madrid, Rodriguez said those matches left an impression. "Their talent and the team they have. The two or three times I've played against them at home and away at Emirates Stadium was incredible."
Arsenal are her first club outside of Real Madrid at senior level.