Leila Ouahabi admitted she was extremely excited for her new life at Gotham FC after joining on a free transfer on October 4th. Ouahabi, a former defender at Manchester City and Barcelona, agreed to a mutual termination of her contract with the Chicago Stars, despite only joining from WSL champions City in July.

The Spanish international reflected on her first week at the club very positively, praising the team’s winning mentality.

“I have to say that I’m very happy to be here. I’ve had the opportunity to know and be on the pitch with my new teammates, and this week was amazing to start to play with them on the pitch and know them off the pitch too. I’m really happy and very excited.”

'Style and mentality' key in Ouahabi's decision to join Gotham

(Photo by Elsa/NWSL via Getty Images)

Ouahabi also outlined Gotham’s style of play and the mentality as a key reason for her joining.

“Gotham is a team who likes to win. The objective is to have all the trophies, and obviously that’s my mentality. So I’m really happy to be here and be part of this type of group, the staff, players, because I think the type of football is the same as mine.”

“They are an amazing team. Their style, how they are playing, how they can create chances, the mobility and everything, that’s lovely to watch.

“That’s my mentality [that I like] to play, and I’m really happy now to be part of this team.”

The potential for history

Gotham has the opportunity to make some club history this weekend. If they beat Washington Spirit, and if San Diego Wave lose on the road against North Carolina Courage, then they will win the NWSL Shield for the first time in the club’s history.

Ouahabi spoke about why it was such an exciting game to come.

“It’s going to be a really competitive game. Both teams have really good players, and I know this game is especially important.”

“We have to win all games, and yeah, I think it’s very exciting to play this type of game, and hopefully, hopefully we will win.”