Shortly after making her debut in our 0-0 draw against Manchester United, Smilla Holmberg spoke to us about how she’s settling into her new surroundings.
The young right-back joined us from Hammarby IF early in the January transfer window.
“It’s been a good week with nice training and lots to do and lots to settle into. But it has been fun and tomorrow I’m moving to my apartment, so it will be nice.
“I’ve not been here so long, but I think I’m settling in good. It’s nice to have Stina [Blackstenius] here helping me with everything. Tomorrow she will help me to move in with all my stuff. It has been very nice, so I’m very excited to keep living here.”
Asked to reflect on her debut, when she flew down the right wing and put a handful of crosses into the box during her short cameo, Smilla continued: “Very fun. It’s a dream coming true and to make my debut at Emirates Stadium was very special and hard to put into words.
“Of course, disappointed with the result, but as I said, grateful for the opportunity from the coaches to play and thankful to all the players who have helped me this way before. Of course, it was fun to play in the highest level in the WSL.
“I tried to just contribute with my qualities. Of course, a bit nervous to do my debut in a big game. Of course, the goal was to win the game. That’s always the goal. Unfortunately, we didn’t get three points. Hopefully, I can contribute more with my qualities and show more of what I can do and also develop during this time here. I think Arsenal is the best place to be when you want to take that next step.
“I’d just heard about how playing at Emirates Stadium is something special. It really was. I’m very thankful for that opportunity. It’s something special with Arsenal that you can’t find somewhere else.”
Looking ahead, Smilla now has her sights set on making more appearances and developing as a player.
“I want to play as much as possible,” she said. “The first week, I just wanted to settle in good. From the start, I wanted to contribute with my qualities both off the pitch and on the pitch. Of course, contribute both offensively and defensively. Just develop and learn from every experienced player that is here because there are very talented and very good players here. Learn from everyone else and work hard.
“I think everyone has been very welcoming, to be honest. It’s a very open and inclusive group to be at, which has made it easier for me to be comfortable. Everyone has been very kind, so I’m thankful for that.
“It was a bit unreal in the beginning. I watched Arsenal since I grew up and watched these players. I looked up to them, so it was a bit unreal in the beginning. As I said, I want to learn as much as I can from them because everyone has lots of experience and qualities.”
We also wanted to find out more about what makes Smilla tick off the pitch, to get to know the player behind the person, and it turns out there are certain video games and TV shows she’s enjoying at the moment!
“Maybe I’ll play video games with friends now that I’m not living at home,” she said. “It can be nice to play some video games. I like FIFA and Fortnite.
“[As for TV], Stranger Things. I think the final season was very good, to be honest. A little bit disappointed with the last episode, but overall a very good season. I rewatched the first four seasons after to try and see what it was like.
“I think I would say season one or five are my favourites. Then [in terms of favourite characters] I have to say Dustin, I think. Or Max. I like both of them. They’re good characters.”
“It’s a big difference to live by myself, doing laundry and cooking for myself!”
Of course, moving to St Albans will also allow Smilla the opportunity to explore more of London, a city she has visited briefly in the past.
“A couple of times when I was younger and then I was here two years ago on New Year’s Eve,” she explained. “I’ve been here and watched some football. It’s a very nice city. I think I met a friend here who was also here during that time, then just shopped. It’s always good to shop.
“It’s so big in London. I’ve only been to Oxford Street and Soho and that part. I would like to see more of London. Maybe some good restaurants and shopping. I’ve talked to Stina and she said that she prefers Soho.
“In Stockholm I lived at home, so, it’s a big difference to move here alone and live by myself, doing laundry and cooking by myself. So, that’s a big difference. Otherwise, it’s much bigger here. Stockholm is big but not that big.
“I haven’t cooked so much yet because my family was here. They left this weekend, and today I will go home to Stina so she will cook for me!”
