Arsenal midfielder Lia Walti says recovering from a serious knee injury last season has given her a new perspective on playing football.
The Swiss international was forced to miss the final of the 2023/24 Barclays Women’s Super League due to injury, seeing her undergo a five-month rehabilitation journey.
talking with 90 minutes at arsenalThis week at Sobha Realty’s training facility, Walti reveals that his forced time away from football has given him a much greater appreciation for the game.
“I had a tough start to the season and it took me a while to get back into the team, and obviously you never know how good you’re going to come back,” he says. “There are always a lot of questions in your head and you have a lot of insecurities.
“It’s even nicer when you get back on the pitch and you can still help the team. I value my health even more and enjoy being able to perform at a good level with Arsenal, one of the best clubs in the world, as well as preparing me for a Euro tournament at home, I will do everything I can to stay healthy.”
Arsenal have moved up to fourth in the WSL table under interim manager Renee Slegers, after Jonas Eidevall resigned in October. They remain unbeaten since the switch, picking up WSL wins over West Ham, Brighton and Tottenham, as well as a draw against Manchester United. Slegers also secured wins in the Champions League against Valerenga and Juventus.
Slegers recent success has led to many fans calling for her to become the new permanent manager, which was further intensified when the Gunners “primary target” Nick Cushing was ruled out.
Walti says no matter what happens, he’d like Slegers to stay on the coaching staff.
“I think she’s doing a great job in her role right now and we’ll see what the club decides for her,” he explains. “I like Renee as a person and she knows the team well, so if you can get her involved at Arsenal, it’s a good benefit for us.”
Women’s football made history last weekend when every WSL and Women’s Championship match was played in the main stadiums of clubs across the country. Walti says this is something he has always “dreamed of”.
“I always say that I appreciate being in a generation where we played in front of a certain number of people who came to games in stadiums that weren’t really stadiums, and now we have the opportunity to play in big stadiums. in front of a lot of people,” he explains .
“This is something we’ve always dreamed of. I think you see it a lot in England, they’re pushing the game in the right direction, giving female players the same opportunities as male players. It’s a dream come true for the fans and the players .”
