I had other offers, but when Chelsea called, it was clear that I would go there, says Kateřina Svitková

Kateřina Svitková has finally arrived. The four-time Footballer of the Year has successfully completed her transfer to Chelsea in London for the second time, where she will play with the best players in the world. She’ll also get a taste of the Champions League atmosphere after a two-year break. What did she reveal in an interview with Ruik?

How do you rate your two-year engagement at West Ham?

I would say that my engagement at West Ham has been good, I am very happy with it. Last year we were sixth, which is the club’s best finish in League One. We also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. So it was very successful for the club and the conditions we played in.

What is the biggest difference between English football and Czech football?

In England it’s much faster, the players are at a different level than here. Everything is actually twice as fast.

You transferred to Chelsea on Tuesday, 5 July. How did it go?

They were interested in me before, but Slavia wouldn’t let me go. Then I got an offer to West Ham, which I took. Now Chelsea came to me saying they were interested in me again. It was a multiple offer, but luckily it worked out.

Have you had other offers?

Yes, but after Chelsea got in touch, it was clear I was going to go there. There’s no other club in England for me.

Did you know any of the players before the transfer?

Unfortunately I don’t know any of the Chelsea players personally, but I think we’ll get to know each other soon and everything will be fine. Of course, I know very well what qualities they have on the pitch. I’m also looking forward to seeing what kind of personalities they have.

How did your new teammates welcome you?

It’s a break right now, so I haven’t had a chance to meet the players yet, but I’ve already messaged some of them on Instagram, which is really nice.

You’ll be wearing the number 13 jersey at Chelsea. Why did you choose that number?

I had a few numbers to choose from. Unfortunately, I couldn’t choose 10 or 21. Of the numbers I was allowed to choose from, I liked 13 the best.

What are your ambitions coming to Chelsea?

I will try to fight my way into the starting line-up and we will want to win every competition we play.

How are you looking forward to the Champions League, which you already played in Slavia’s jersey?

The Champions League is the best competition there is. I am very happy to play it again. It was quite a long break for me because we played it every season in Slavia. So I’m really looking forward to it and I hope we can go very far.

Do you regret that you won’t meet Petr Čech at the club anymore?

I’m definitely sorry that we won’t meet again. Petr has made his decision and I hope that we will have the opportunity to meet again. I’m sure we’ll work something out.

Which player are you most looking forward to meeting?

I’m really looking forward to meeting every player. I don’t have a preference of who I’m looking forward to seeing more.

What’s life like in London?

I can’t say enough about life in London. I love it here and I enjoy every day.