EXCLUSIVE FOR QUEENBALLERS: Votíková's first words after signing Arsenal

EXCLUSIVE FOR QUEENBALLERS: Barbora Votíková became the first Czech in Arsenal WFC. The Czech national team goalkeeper returns to the WSL after a year and a half, during which she won the title and cup with Slavia Prague. "I played many matches, gained confidence, and grew as a player. Now I'm ready to show that progress," said Votíková in an interview for Queenballers.com.

You are the first Czech female player ever to wear an Arsenal jersey — Champions of Europe and the only ones in England. How are you feeling?

It’s a huge honour and also something I’m extremely proud of.

What do you want to achieve at Arsenal?
I have a lot of energy right now and i feel really good football-wise, and just being part of a club like Arsenal, training alongside such top players, learning from them and improving means a lot to me. Of course, my goal is to become an important player for the team and to be a real contribution on and off the pitch. That’s what I want to achieve here.

When did you find out that Arsenal might be interested in you, and what was your reaction?
 It all happened very fast. Just a few weeks ago, everything moved quickly. These situations are always a mix of emotions. I was very excited when such an offer came it always makes me happy and grateful.

You and your former Slavia teammate Kateřina Svitková are the only Czech players who have ever played in the WSL, the best league in Europe. Now you are the only Czech there. Do you consider herself a pioneer?
Being the only Czech player right now feels incredible. I hope this can be an inspiring step and that more Czech girls will be able to follow this path in the future.

How prepared are you for your WSL comeback?
I feel more prepared than when I first entered the league with Tottenham. I spent a year and a half playing for Slavia, and last season we won both the league title and the cup. I played many matches, gained confidence, and grew as a player. Now I’m ready to show that progress.

Which of your future teammates are you most looking forward to meeting?
Arsenal is full of incredibly important and high-level players, so it’s hard to name. I’m especially curious about the GK union, as I’ll be spending most of my time with them, and I’m really looking forward to that daily work together.

We will soon publish an interview with new Gunner Barbora Votíková on our YouTube channel. Follow us on Instagram and you won't miss a thing.