Crystal Dunn: "Paris has a great history"
The new Paris Saint-Germain player spoke openly about her new challenge, her ambitions and her motherhood.
Crystal, how do you feel about becoming a Parisian?
"I'm so happy to be able to start this new adventure. My family supports me and comes with me, so it was important for me to find a club that has confidence in me as a player but that also accepts that I come with my family. I have a connection with France and I already feel at home. I hope to be able to give the best of myself with my new team."
Why did you choose Paris Saint-Germain?
"I think you always have to give yourself new challenges. I've already played in Europe, a few years ago now, and now I want to immerse myself in French culture. I have no excuses, my husband is French and my son is learning and understands French. Now it's my turn to embrace French culture, on and off the pitch."
You will be discovering the Première Ligue Arkema. What do you know about the French league?
‘’It's improved a lot, and I'm looking forward to playing with some of the best players in the world, who are going to make me raise my game. I hope to repay them by giving everything I've got on the pitch. This league is very competitive, as you discover when you leave the American league, and the level of football has grown all over the planet. I'm going to be part of a great institution like PSG, it's a club with a great history, and I'm very happy at the idea of being part of that history."
How will your experience benefit the team?
"I love this sport so much and I always want to win. I'm a competitor, I've already won a lot of great trophies, and I want to keep winning. I always have the same mindset, no matter where I play. I want to help the club win as many trophies as possible, I want to make my mark here, I want to be able to rise to this challenge, and give everything I can."
You're the mother of a little boy... How does being a mother change the way you approach your career, or even your role as an athlete?
"It's a real balancing act. Coming back from pregnancy and regaining my level was the biggest challenge of my career. But it's changed my perspective on things, on who I am outside football, but also on who I am as a footballer. When a match doesn't go the way I want it to, it's hard, but when I see him in the stands, waving or smiling at me, it helps me put things into perspective and see things differently. Having him by my side throughout my career pushes me to be the best I can be, and it's a pleasure to have him in the stands."