“I think for any parent using social media and seeing a lot of abuse thrown their child’s way is difficult to take,” the 30-year-old said about the barrage of online barbs. “This is probably the first big announcement of my career, leaving a massive football club to move to another big club. So, it’s new territory. “But I’ve stayed off social media this week because my full concentration has been on these two huge games with Ireland against Netherlands and France. I’ve got a lot
of support from our manager Carla Ward, my teammates and the staff here with Ireland, so I’m in a good place mentally. “I don’t condone any abuse and don’t think that’s the way forward when these things happen. That’s football and these people are humans at the end of the day and have feelings. “My way of dealing with it is removing myself and staying away from it.” McCabe revealed she had opened negotiations with Chelsea before Arsenal’s controversial Champions League quarter-final. Although holders Arsenal
progressed, their victory was marred by an incident that saw McCabe escape a red card for pulling the hair of Alyssa Thompson. Now McCabe will be working with manager Sonia Bompastor, who was sent off for her protests, and the US international victim Thompson. “No, it didn’t,” she said when asked if the flashpoint complicated the free transfer. “Having spoken with the manager Sonia a couple of months back, I understood what she wanted and the project she was trying to create at Chelsea so
I wanted to be part of that. For me I wanted to compete in the English Women’s Super League, which is the best league in the world in my opinion. “You’ve seen that with how attractive it is with top, top players from all over the world wanting to play there. “I want to win trophies like the WSL and Champions League again, so Chelsea was a perfect fit for that.” Moving clubs, but not cities, means she’ll square up against her partner Caitlin Foord.
The Australian was also out of contract with the Gunners but is poised to pen an extension. “I’m absolutely fine with it,” McCabe said with a smile. “There’s rivalry there between Chelsea and Arsenal but we’re both professional, both want to win and be competitive so no issues there.” She was reluctant to criticise Arsenal’s stance, which only changed late in the season with a belated attempt to compete with Chelsea’s offer of a three-year contract, plus the option of another 12 months. “Growing up
at Arsenal, learning so much as a player and as a person, I’ve got a lot of respect for every single person back at the club and all my teammates,” she reflected. “Of course, it’s been difficult over the last few months for me, but I think it’s the right time now for a new chapter in my career. “It was coming to the end of a journey. You’d naturally find it hard leaving somewhere after 10 years but your time comes. “Now, it’s time
for something new, and that’s what I’m really excited for.” Dutch captain Dominique Janssen will renew acquaintances with his former Arsenal teammate at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, proud to have observed the growth of a cub into a leader. “I would describe Katie as a winner, someone who does everything for her team to get a result,” said the Manchester United centre-back. “Sometimes she can be nasty but you need that in football. People don’t like playing against her but I’m curious to see how
the move to Chelsea goes because the journey is exciting. “It’s been a few years since I played on her Arsenal team but she’s developed a lot in her leadership skills. I hadn’t seen that in my time but have since as Ireland captain and being a big part of Arsenal’s successes. She’ll be a big player for Chelsea.”
Katie McCabe, Chelsea, Arsenal, Ireland, Netherlands, France, Champions League, Women’s Super League, Alyssa Thompson, Sonia Bompastor, Caitlin Foord, Dominique Janssen