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The Manchester United supporters were surprised to hear what they heard. They couldn’t believe it, but it was true: the away fans from Arsenal were jumping and singing: “Here we go, Lotte and Lessi Russo!” The song that United fans had sung for their two favorite players, Ella Toone and Alessia Russo, to the tune of “Rockin’ All Over the World,” was now being sung by their biggest rivals. The crowd’s faces showed their shock and disapproval. Now, the names in the song belong to Arsenal players Lotte Wubben-Moy and Russo, playfully teasing United fans after Russo’s move to Arsenal in the summer when her contract ended.
Russo admits with a sheepish and embarrassed smile that she was unaware of this fact. She is seated in a red leather chair at Arsenal’s training ground, preparing for their highly anticipated match against Chelsea. With over 57,000 tickets already sold for Sunday’s game at Emirates Stadium, she reflects, “When you’re in the thick of the game, you don’t always notice the back-and-forth banter between fans.”
The transfer to Arsenal caused controversy as the team allegedly rejected two high-priced offers for the English striker in January. Manchester United chose to allow her to depart for no cost during the summer, rather than strengthening a competitor while competing for the championship and qualification for the Champions League.
Russo faced the challenge of separating her personal and professional life in order to make the best career decisions. She had to set aside any emotional attachments and make decisions based on what was best for her. The 24-year-old, who wears the No 23 jersey as a tribute to Michael Jordan, who also attended her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, reflects on the difficulties of this process. She acknowledges that there are many struggles that go unseen by the public, but as a player, she has had to push through them. Despite being a long-time fan of Manchester United, Russo remains devoted to the club and continues to closely follow their progress. However, she recognizes that football is a constantly evolving game and one must fully immerse themselves in the present moment.
While at United, Russo was highly esteemed, content, and valued. He felt a strong sense of belonging and had formed close friendships in Manchester. However, he recognized the importance of pushing himself out of his comfort zone in order to progress. In the fast-paced world of football, things can change rapidly and before you know it, you may find yourself in a new environment. This can be challenging, but it also forces you to adapt quickly and not dwell on the changes.
There was a significant amount of interest in Russo, who was not currently under contract, but Arsenal had expressed a strong desire to have her on their team. Ultimately, her decision to join the team in north London was based on her feelings towards the people and the location. “I am someone who values relationships with others,” she explains. “If you are surrounded by the right people in the right place, then there are no limits to what you can achieve. That’s how I feel about being here. The people are truly special and that was the most important factor for me. Sometimes, you just have a gut feeling when you talk to people and have those conversations, and you have to trust it.”
The impact they have on the women’s game and the effort they invest in the women’s team is significant. This club is unique – you can sense it immediately upon entering.
Adding Kelly Smith to Arsenal’s team was another appealing aspect. “She has been one of my role models since I was young,” she explains. “She is very thorough and won’t overwhelm you with information, but will provide two or three key details.”
Russo’s mention of the pace of events is relevant, as she was announced as a member of Arsenal just days before departing for Australia with the English national team for the World Cup. She had a brief 17-day period between losing to Spain in the final – an experience that continues to sting and will for years to come – and the start of a disappointing Champions League qualifying campaign. Luckily, she was able to handle the necessary arrangements for her move before the World Cup began.
She stated that change can be difficult, but it can also bring positive results. She recently relocated to a new home that is closer to her family, which she finds pleasant. She was fortunate enough to find an apartment that she immediately fell in love with during her viewing, and the landlord ultimately chose her over another couple. He gave her a few days to make a decision, which happened to be the day before she had to sign the lease. She received the keys to her new place shortly after the World Cup, and everything fell into place seamlessly, which is not always the case.
Russo’s performance for Arsenal has been exceptional. However, there have been some discussions about his low goal tally in the league, with some questioning his scoring abilities. This has caused confusion among those who have closely observed Russo’s play. He has often played in a slightly deeper role, as a No 10, where he excels at controlling the ball and involving his teammates. Developing strong partnerships on the field takes time and cannot be rushed.
She expresses that she will continue to improve as a player, even as she transitions to a new team. While adjusting to new teammates and tactics, she believes it has been a positive experience. With ample time, she is gradually becoming more comfortable and learning about her teammates’ preferences and tendencies, as well as how she can support them and vice versa.
Just before we sat down, I inquired about Russo to Jonas Eidevall and he praised her as “possibly the most skilled scorer I’ve ever coached,” stating that it is the team’s responsibility to create opportunities for her to score. This statement comes from a manager who has worked with Vivianne Miedema, the highest scorer in both the WSL and Netherlands, and Beth Mead, the 2022 Euro golden boot winner. It’s a confident claim to make.
When informed of his words, Russo chuckles. “It’s lovely to hear,” she responds. “However, our entire team is putting in a lot of effort.”
She reflects on her potential to score more, stating that as she gets older, she recognizes the numerous small actions she can take to benefit her team during a game or season. While scoring is a personal goal, she acknowledges that there is much to learn and improve upon, such as studying her movements in the box and finding ways to create better opportunities. These subtle details may not be apparent to others, but for her, they are crucial to her growth as a player.
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The focus was on Russo’s performance throughout the field during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Brighton. There was a moment where time seemed to freeze as she made a sliding tackle to stop Katie Robinson, who was playing as a right-back. “In that game, I was playing as the 10. So, I had to play a bit deeper. I just knew I had to be in that spot. The game moves so fast and you have to be ready to cover for your teammates.”
Reworded: Some of the connections are already established. Playing alongside her England teammates Wubben-Moy, Mead, and Leah Williamson at Arsenal has greatly aided Russo in adjusting both on and off the field. Russo and Wubben-Moy were teammates at the University of North Carolina, where Russo developed a love for country music due to its overwhelming popularity. “I always say that Lotte has been like a big sister to me for as long as I can remember. And anyone who knows Lotte knows she has a wise mind. We’ve been through a lot together. She’s one of my closest friends. She helped me a lot during college, a time when one can feel vulnerable. You’re 18, moving to the other side of the world. But she’s always been there for me.”
One of the unique aspects of football is the individuals you come across. Despite having vastly different personalities, Toone and Wubben-Moy are two of Russo’s closest companions whom she speaks to on a daily basis. “Through football, you make friends with people who you may not have otherwise met in school or everyday life. It’s amazing to have connections with people from different backgrounds. Tooney is like a little sister to me, while Lotte is like a big sister. I’m grateful to share the ups and downs of football with them.”
Being there when Mead came back from the low of her ACL injury was particularly poignant for Russo. Mead came on and assisted Russo’s first WSL goal for Arsenal – a late winner against Aston Villa. “What she’s been through has been so tough, but to see her back and feeling good again is nice,” Russo says. “She’s a player that you always want to play with. You want to be in the box for her crosses, because she can put them on an absolute dime.
“When she appeared, I felt a surge of emotion. Although our attention was on the game, the overwhelming reception she received was unforgettable. The entire stadium could sense it. Reflecting on it now, it still brings out emotions.”
The fans at Arsenal have been a standout feature, with continuous cheering and setting new attendance records both at home and away. “Even at Boreham Wood, you can feel and hear the non-stop singing. The chants are fantastic. We like to play Voulez-Vous in the locker room and sing Cloé Lacasse’s song.”
The level of excitement surrounding players as the game gains popularity is unprecedented and poses challenges. “One of the most rewarding moments for me after a game is interacting with the fans during our lap or taking pictures with them. It’s difficult because we want to show our appreciation to all of our fans, but the current level of the game makes it challenging to establish a personal connection with each of them.”
“Over the last few years, the number of fans has grown significantly, which is amazing and exactly what we hoped for in women’s football. As a little girl 10-15 years ago, I used to attend games hoping to get a photo with players like Kelly or Rachel Yankey. Now, being in the position I am, I am extremely grateful and want to dedicate as much time as possible to our fans.”
Source: theguardian.com
