Alessia Russo has opened up on how joining Arsenal changed her relationship with the club as the striker prepares to lead Renée Slegers’ side into another WSL title challenge.
Russo was not an Arsenal supporter growing up, but three years in north London have changed that considerably.
Speaking in a new interview with The Guardian, the England international admitted that “it’s impossible to not become a part of Arsenal” after experiencing the people, supporters and culture around the club.
Her connection was particularly clear during May’s celebrations, when Arsenal’s men marked their Premier League triumph alongside the women’s European success in front of thousands of supporters across north London.
Russo described the parade as one of the standout experiences of her career, having celebrated alongside lifelong Arsenal supporters Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy.
Alessia Russo wants more Arsenal success
There is also a clear focus on what comes next.
Russo enjoyed one of her strongest individual campaigns in 2025/26, but she made clear that trophies remain the standard by which she judges success.
Arsenal are now back in pre-season with a heavily refreshed squad and competition for places has increased after another busy summer of recruitment.
ReadArsenal recently detailed Arsenal Women’s confirmed pre-season schedule, with friendlies against Paris FC and Charlton Athletic following a training camp in Spain.
Those fixtures should give Slegers an early opportunity to assess how her new-look group fits together before the WSL campaign begins away at Brighton on 6 September.
Russo remains central to those plans.
The 27-year-old has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important attacking players, but her latest comments suggest her connection to the club now stretches beyond goals and performances.
After experiencing major silverware and the celebrations that followed, Russo appears determined to make sure there is more to come.
Comments.
Loading comments…