STEPH CATLEY has revealed that her debut Arsenal season has been the most difficult in her career thus far.
After joining the Gunners from Reign FC in 2020, the Aussie defender spent most of her first campaign in the treatment room due to a series of injuries.
She only managed to fit in six appearances last term which pushed her boundaries mentally and physically.
In an interview with My Football, the Matildas star spoke on just how hard it was to cope with the injuries.
The 27-year-old said: “It’s definitely been the hardest year of my football career.”
“The injuries just kept coming and I couldn’t find the answers. But I found strength in myself.
“I didn’t know I had and also strength in my relationships with the people around me.
“I learnt to lean on people and overall I feel like I’ve come out the other side of it all a much better athlete.
“I’m better at preparing, I feel stronger physically and mentally and just have a real appreciation for being out on the field every day doing what I love.
“I’m feeling really good. My body feels strong and I’ve been back on the field for the last few months.
“Now so I’ve got a good amount of load back there too. But mentally I feel really fresh and just excited to be on the field every single day.”
