Jana Fernández's Journey to London City: A New Chapter in Her Football Career
For 23-year-old Jana Fernández, leaving Barcelona was a difficult experience. She had joined the club as a teenager and played her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a key player for both the team and Spain. However, when La Liga imposed salary caps on its teams, it led to an exodus of high-profile players from the women's squad, including Fernández.
Despite the circumstances that led to her departure, Fernández is now thriving in her new home, London. She has joined London City Lionesses and is loving every minute of it. The excitement of playing for a new team is palpable as she talks about her experiences so far.
"It was always on my bucket list," Fernández says with a smile. "I'm someone who wants to discover new things. I'm curious about life, new cultures, everything." She has found that the community and camaraderie among players from different backgrounds are what truly make London City special.
Fernández is also passionate about music, dance, and singing – a hobby she pursued alongside football as a child. The energy she radiates is infectious as she talks about her love for musicals and being in nature. She has quickly found solace in the beauty of Hyde Park and appreciates the change of pace from La Masia's intense playing style.
While Fernández acknowledges that the transition hasn't been without its challenges, particularly adjusting to a new team dynamic with 17 players from diverse backgrounds, she believes it has brought about something special. "That's the beautiful thing about football – you can meet new people and make each other better," she says.
Fernández credits her coaching days at La Masia for teaching her valuable life lessons beyond just football. She emphasizes the importance of being a role model off the pitch and promoting good values to young players. This responsibility has led her to set up her own coaching campus, which replicates the positive experience she had during those formative years.
In London, Fernández is determined to make a name for herself and push her team towards success. With a boost from their owner Michele Kang's passion for women's football, Fernández believes there is no gap between London City and the upper echelons of the league.
"We want to be in the Champions League spots," Fernández declares with ambition. "We're going to go for everything."
As she continues to write her story, one thing is clear: Jana Fernández has found a new home where she can grow both on and off the pitch, embracing the beauty of London City Lionesses as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her football career.
For 23-year-old Jana Fernández, leaving Barcelona was a difficult experience. She had joined the club as a teenager and played her way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a key player for both the team and Spain. However, when La Liga imposed salary caps on its teams, it led to an exodus of high-profile players from the women's squad, including Fernández.
Despite the circumstances that led to her departure, Fernández is now thriving in her new home, London. She has joined London City Lionesses and is loving every minute of it. The excitement of playing for a new team is palpable as she talks about her experiences so far.
"It was always on my bucket list," Fernández says with a smile. "I'm someone who wants to discover new things. I'm curious about life, new cultures, everything." She has found that the community and camaraderie among players from different backgrounds are what truly make London City special.
Fernández is also passionate about music, dance, and singing – a hobby she pursued alongside football as a child. The energy she radiates is infectious as she talks about her love for musicals and being in nature. She has quickly found solace in the beauty of Hyde Park and appreciates the change of pace from La Masia's intense playing style.
While Fernández acknowledges that the transition hasn't been without its challenges, particularly adjusting to a new team dynamic with 17 players from diverse backgrounds, she believes it has brought about something special. "That's the beautiful thing about football – you can meet new people and make each other better," she says.
Fernández credits her coaching days at La Masia for teaching her valuable life lessons beyond just football. She emphasizes the importance of being a role model off the pitch and promoting good values to young players. This responsibility has led her to set up her own coaching campus, which replicates the positive experience she had during those formative years.
In London, Fernández is determined to make a name for herself and push her team towards success. With a boost from their owner Michele Kang's passion for women's football, Fernández believes there is no gap between London City and the upper echelons of the league.
"We want to be in the Champions League spots," Fernández declares with ambition. "We're going to go for everything."
As she continues to write her story, one thing is clear: Jana Fernández has found a new home where she can grow both on and off the pitch, embracing the beauty of London City Lionesses as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her football career.