Blackstenius: “I love playing for Arsenal” | Interview | News

There’s no place Stina Blackstenius would rather be!

After putting pen to paper on her new contract at Arsenal, our super Swede spoke to us about what it means to extend her stay in N5.

“Obviously, I’m really happy signing this new contract,” she said. “I’ve been in the club for a long time now but I’m so happy to stay for some more time. I love playing for Arsenal and love the club, love the team and I’m just so excited for what’s ahead.

“The supporters we have, I feel like they always show up no matter what and it’s hard to describe because it really means so much for us as a team. I feel like they always have our back, no matter the game.

“I feel like they’re always so loud cheering us on, and it has helped us in so many games, so I feel like we’re really lucky to have supporters like that and it’s huge that we have that almost every game.”

Stina became a club legend when she scored the winning goal in last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League final against Barcelona, and now we’re through to the semi-finals again after beating Chelsea in the quarters.

“They were tough games as always when we’re playing against Chelsea, but we were really happy with the result and that we are through to the semi-final,” Stina reflected. “I’m already looking forward to the next game so it’s a big one.

“There are so many good memories from the Champions League final. I love scoring for Arsenal but that one was a big one and something I will never forget. That we won the Champions League, it’s something I’ve always been dreaming about and it actually came true.

“So it always gives me goosebumps thinking about that day and that game and the celebrations we had at the Emirates with the supporters. Just so much happiness that day.

“It’s one goal but it meant so much and that’s something I will bring with me forever and I was really happy that I could give something for the team in that moment.”

Supporters know we can always rely on Stina to make an impact, to change a game if she’s coming off the bench as a finisher, so what’s going through her mind when she’s about to come on, and how helpful is it to work under a manager who knows her so well?

“I’m just really excited to come onto the pitch and hopefully bring as much as I can and give something to the team,” she explained. “I just love to play for Arsenal and I’m really excited every time I’m coming on.

“We have a good relationship and like you said, we played together for a few years a long time ago. But it’s crazy to think that we’re here now and that she’s the coach. A good coach and she’s really done a good job with the team since taking over.”

Renée Slegers was recently asked about Stina’s partnership with Alessia Russo, and the former said that opposites attract, with the two players having different personalities and play styles that complement one another.

“I feel like we are a bit different as players, but I really enjoy playing with her,” Stina added. “She’s such a good player in so many ways and I’m just enjoying playing with her in training and in games and I feel like we can push each other as well. Us being different players as well can help us in games and I just enjoy that.”

Looking ahead, naturally Stina just wants more of the success she’s already tasted here, lifting a Champions League trophy in front of our supporters.

“The experience of winning the Champions League was really a feeling that we want to do this again and we have the chance this year again,” she said. “So it’s just amazing to know that we know what it feels like now. That gives us even more hunger to actually achieve it again and do it with the fans and everyone that’s cheering us on.”