Momiki: Enjoying My Time In Leicester
- Manchester United up next for LCFC Women on Sunday afternoon (3pm BST kick-off)
- The two sides meet at King Power Stadium for Barclays Women’s Super League action
- Yuka Momiki previews the upcoming challenge and the remainder of the season
- Tickets for the match can be purchased HERE
It’s been an impressive start to Leicester life for Momiki who has scored once, with a fantastic strike against Bristol City, and registered six assists since joining the Club in the winter transfer window.
Settling into the Barclays Women's Super League came as no easy feat, the forward explained to the media, but playing in the ‘best league in the world’ was a chance the Japanese forward couldn’t turn down.
“The environment and quality is very different,” Momiki opened with. “The intensity and speed is much higher, so that’s been the biggest difference for me since coming here.
“I’m really enjoying being here. I don’t think it’s easy coming in at the middle of the season, especially in the top league but everyone at Leicester was very nice to help me settle in so I’m enjoying myself here.”
City's No.29 has quickly become a fan favourite among the Leicester faithful and talked about her dream of playing in England. Focused on the challenge at hand, Momiki explains how she wants to finish this year strongly, before getting a full season under her belt for the Foxes.
“I’d say that my first goal for the Club against Bristol City was very special,” the forward reminisced. “Also, the last week, playing in front of 42,000 people was great. Even though we lost, it makes you want to keep playing. It was my first time playing in front of a lot of people so that experience was really nice.
“Playing in the WSL was my biggest dream since I was about 22 years old. When I was a kid, I couldn’t have this kind of dream because women’s football wasn’t that big but right now you can dream and reach those levels.
“Playing for Leicester is the biggest part of me right now, and these three last games of the season will be important. But I’m also really excited for next season.”
Seventh place is still in reach for City this season, and Momiki hopes to help the team in any way she can, referencing her attributes on the pitch and how she can affect the game, labelling her intelligence and imagination on the ball as key factors.
“I think the WSL is the best league in the world right now,” the 28-year-old continued. “I’m always one of the smallest players on the field so I like having the opportunity to prove myself, and showing other players that they can make it too.
“If you use your skill and imagination, it is still possible. I’d say I anticipate more than the others. I need to prepare myself for what is going to happen in the game. I always try to make sure there’s options to solve situations on the pitch; I can’t use my strength to do that, so I have to use my brain instead.”