Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte on Friday featured an interview with Arsenal’s new signing Rafaelle Silva.
The centre-back, who arrived in London in January, has already been in action for the Gunners, with two WSL appearances so far, and talked about her first impressions at the club.
Rafaelle revealed that she was not expecting to play so soon, and that was something that shocked her.
“It even took me by surprise. I was expecting to get here, spend a couple of weeks training with the team, adapt until I learn their style of play, there are some things that are different from what I’m used to. But no, I arrived here and the next day I went to train with the team,” Rafaelle told Globo Esporte.
“Then there was a video showing how they like to go out and play. They were already preparing me for the game. I said ‘wow, am I going to play now? (laughs)’. I was on vacation in Salvador, at the beach and I’m ready to play. So much so that they took me by surprise.
“It was a very difficult game against Manchester City. We needed the result and we managed to win a point that was very important, and that now holds us at the top of the table and now as a starter I didn’t expect it either. I was even surprised ‘wow, I’m already a starter’. What a responsibility. But I think it all worked out.”
“One of the things that also helped me decide was this. There were proposals from some clubs in Europe and I’m always in contact with the Brazilian national team for tips, because I don’t have that much experience here on this continent. I always asked Pia, I was in contact with Fabinho, ‘so which club do you think I’ll adapt better to?’.
“I think the fact that the coach here at Arsenal is Swedish and Pia also helped me a lot with their style of play, the way they score inside the box. The way they play games is very similar to what Pia tells us. This helps me. I arrived here with a base, which already made me a starter, it impressed me. This proximity of the coaches, this way of playing. It has made it easier both in training and in games.”
The defender had already played in the United States, so the English language was not a barrier for her move to Arsenal. In fact, she claims this was also a crucial point for her to decide to join the Gunners, as she’s having no issues adapting to life in London and to communication with new teammates.
“This has helped me a lot. One of the reasons I chose to come to England was the language because it helps me a lot. I had a lot of difficulty in China, even though I had a translator with me I couldn’t always get through especially during the game. Now, during the game, I can pass the ball to a defensive midfielder and tell her to turn if she has marking, if there’s someone on the left or right side.
“It makes it much easier for me and I can develop more that way. This has made it a lot easier. I think I have a lot more freedom now, independence, and I’m very happy with that. It was a very good choice to have come here, especially the language that helps me to talk more with the girls, having a better friendship also helps on the field.”
