Katie: “It made me so happy and proud” | Interview | News

It was a special way to end Katie McCabe’s time at the club, as we celebrated her Arsenal career before, during and after Saturday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield.

Her song was sung throughout the afternoon as Ireland flags were held aloft, and our defender said it was a lovely way to end her time in red and white.

“It was crazy,” she said. “It made me smile honestly, walking out. It was first and foremost an honour to lead the girls out one last time. Walking out, it was actually like I was going out to play with Ireland! There were that many Ireland flags. There was a bit of a laugh and a joke within the team as well. Vic had goosebumps herself!

“But yeah, honestly it made me so happy and proud. It just goes to show, the supporters, how amazing they are. Being able to, individually, be able to give me a little send off today. It meant an awful lot to me. Yeah, it’s crazy. We’ve come so far.

“I remember there was only like two or three hundred people 10 years ago at Borehamwood. It’s amazing to see how and what we’ve created over the last 10 years. We’ve built up an amazing fan base and they’re packing up the away stand. Three thousand fans today. Yeah, there’s no words for it. Their dedication to the club and to the team is amazing.”

So if someone had said to Katie, when she arrived at Arsenal in 2015, if she’d go on to spend over a decade at the club and win every competition available at least once, how would she have reacted?

“I’d say you’re joking! I’d say you’re joking. But look, for me, I think coming into this club as a little girl, watching Arsenal on the TV, watching Emma Byrne play for Arsenal, it’s my absolute dream to come and represent this football club. I’m so proud to have done it for as long as I have.

“It’s been a ride, highs and lows, but we’ve picked ourselves up, we’ve looked after each other as a team and we were able to win some amazing trophies together. I know I’ve given, and I hope the fans know, I’ve given every inch of myself to this team and this football club. It’s an emotional one, but one I’m so proud of.”

Set-piece coach Chris Bradley will also be departing the club this summer, so it was nice that Mariona Caldentey goal, set up by Katie, came by way of a clever set-piece routine.

“Bradders is leaving us as well,” she said. “We’ve wanted to be a lot more successful in attacking set-pieces. We went short, Mariona finished it off. Thank you, Mariona, for letting me get my last assist! It was a nice moment to celebrate with Bradders. He’s worked so hard for us and really pushed us out of our comfort zone, trying to improve us individually and as a team. It was a nice moment for him as well.”

So while Katie will soon be leaving Arsenal, will she still be watching from afar and supporting her teammates?

“Me? Of course. Look, they’re my family. I’ve spent more time with these group of girls than I have with my own family over the last 10 years. It’s going to be an emotional one, of course. But for myself, it’s time to step away and start a new chapter now. See what happens in the future.”