Laia Codina believes West Ham United Women can give supporters a team to be proud of during Rita Guarino’s first full season in charge.
The Spain international has started pre-season at Chadwell Heath after completing her summer move from Arsenal.
Codina admitted her opening morning felt like starting at a new school. However, the 26-year-old quickly settled after meeting her teammates, coaches and other members of staff.
She arrives in east London with considerable experience. Codina has won the FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain, lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League three times and collected further honours with Barcelona and Arsenal.
The defender made 58 appearances during three seasons with Arsenal and believes playing in England has made her more complete. She described herself as an aggressive centre-back who also enjoys receiving possession and building attacks from defence.
Her arrival forms part of a major summer rebuild under Guarino. West Ham have also secured Estelle Cascarino on a permanent three-year contract following her successful loan spell last season.
Codina impressed by Guarino’s West Ham plans
Speaking in an official West Ham interview, Codina praised Guarino’s honesty, values and passion for the game.
The former Barcelona defender has only spent a few days with the squad, but she has already noticed excitement around the club’s plans.
Codina stopped short of making predictions about West Ham’s final position. Instead, she highlighted the room for improvement within a group containing several new arrivals.
She said the squad “can do good things during the season” and believes the players can make West Ham supporters proud.
Codina will become the first Spanish player to represent West Ham United Women when she makes her competitive debut.
The new Women’s Super League season begins on Friday, 4 September. West Ham’s fixtures will be released on Thursday, 30 July, giving Guarino’s rebuilt squad a clearer picture of the campaign ahead.
