Exclusive: Kim Little on Champions League glory, Arsenal’s WSL ambitions, and Olivia Smith excitement | OneFootball

Kim Little is savouring the high of last season’s Champions League triumph, a victory that marks the pinnacle of her illustrious career.

The Arsenal captain played a key role in guiding her side to European glory against Barcelona, and the Gunners are now preparing to build on that success as they chase domestic honours.

Reflecting on that historic achievement, Little spoke about the emotions of winning the trophy, 19 years after Arsenal won it for the first time.

“The moments immediately after were quite overwhelming, but I think it definitely feels real now,” the 35-year-old said. “Just having that success and the nature of the final and how happy and proud everyone was for us to win – it’s definitely something to be proud of now.”

When asked if it ranks as her proudest career moment, she said: “Yes, I think so. Obviously, it’s the present one and the most recent one, but I think even in five or ten years’ time, it will still be the proudest moment for sure.”

Little is determined to carry the momentum into the new campaign, which will start with a clash against newly promoted London City, while also learning from areas where Arsenal can improve.

“We need to reflect on that moment for us, the performances where we were at such a high level like the final, but also taking the moments where we know we can be better and more consistent,” she said.

“Ultimately for us to achieve our goals, we need to be consistent on a domestic level as well. So as much as we want to hold on to that moment as much as possible, there’s a bigger perspective to be more successful and win more trophies.”

A key factor for Little’s optimism this season is the stability brought by head coach Renee Slegers, who took over last October after Jonas Eidevall’s departure.

The Scotland international also highlighted the strength of the squad, which has been bolstered in the transfer window, namely through Olivia Smith who signed from Liverpool in a record transfer fee of £1m.

“We’ve got such a strong, high level of player right across our squad,” Little added. “We’re putting the work in and hopefully that will mean that come the start of the WSL and domestic season that we can push on and really aim to reach our goals, which is winning trophies.

“It’s great to have signed Olivia at the club. She had a great season last year for Liverpool and is a great young talent and I think she’s come to a great place to develop and progress to become a really high level player.

“I’m really looking forward to working with her to help and support her to reach that potential. I’m sure she’ll show what an exciting talent she is in an Arsenal shirt this season.”

Arsenal will be playing all of their home WSL matches at the Emirates Stadium this season and any Champions League knockout ties, should they progress to that stage.

Little has captained Arsenal since 2017 and expressed her pride at leading a club that continues to break new ground for women’s football.

“It’s incredible,” she said. “I’ve spent most of my career at Arsenal and it continues to be a trailblazer within the sport. Signing Olivia in that manner in the summer is one way the club’s doing it alongside many other things across the club.

“Playing at the Emirates also creates that foundation and fan base that can come and see us week in, week out.

“The club’s in a great place and it’s taken a lot of great steps to move not just our club forward, but also show the way, which I’m really grateful to be a part of.

“It’s a lot of fun and women’s football is in a great place. Sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and reflect on that journey of where the game has been and where it is now.

“There are so many great things happening and it’s great to see it continue going on that upward trajectory.”