Kerolin Nicoli: New Manchester City Forward learned football on the streets of Brazil – now wants to win WSL | Football news
Football is in Kerolin’s DNA. Growing up in Brazil, a country with football embedded in its national identity, it is almost difficult to escape. But often for women’s players, the path to professionalism is much less missed.
Kerolin is an exception to the rules. She remembers her football grounding on the streets of Sao Paul, playing barefoot with the boys, which is not uncommon – but from these early experiences she felt neglected, which was different.
“I really believe playing with boys when I was young brought something.” Kerolin, now 25 years, the line is Ging (which translates as a sway) roots as central to the player and the person she has become. The striker with a street skill, pace and strength, as well as incredible work ethics, made the Brazilian rise more likely than most.
She embodies the ‘soul of football’.
“I played on the street with boys with no legs, no shoes. I don’t know how to say it, but with your toes, and when you shoot the ball, it hurts.
“I was thinking about being more powerful, stronger and faster and protecting the ball – these things I came from now with those moments with the guys on the street. I remember being great, super young and I had to so fast.”
Kerolin was convinced. Even if he was hospitalized with osteomyelitis – a form of costume infection – and cellulitis at the leg at the age of 11, they could not distract her. Doctors advised her to avoid contact sports, but she persisted.
The attacker broke into the scene as a teenage talent on a side Ponte based in Sao Paulo, before an extremely successful three-year stay in the US with northern Caroline Courage, ending the last season with 14 scores in 24 appearances.
The Brazilian International also requested the award of the most respected player – the first South American to win the award.
So why Manchester City? “I have a lot of reasons why I wanted to move to WSL.
“It will be my first champions League, so it excites me a lot, and the City is going well in City. I want to try to help the best way I can. I never know, maybe I can win in the D’Alm Balloon by playing here.
“The way the playing playing is similar to my team in the US. I felt ready. Always the most often players played here or in Spain, mostly here. To be in the world of the world, I thought,” Maybe I have to be in the big Britain ‘. “
Kerolin – who also had an interest in transmission from Arsenal in January – has heavenly ambitions. “I want to try to become the best player in the world,” she said after signing for City in January.
And her style, forged in Brazil and taken to the United States, is neatly suited to the new club. The football brand in the city should mean that the transition is smooth.
“I knew how big the club was, but when I came, I said,” Alas, this is massive. “The dream came true, people, the girls made it easier.
“I’ll give everything for my teammates, fans will see a player who works hard to make every part of the game – to defend himself, attack. I’ll be happy if I score goals and have fun with the girls, but with appropriate responsibilities.
“It’s crazy how fast things happen. The coach tells me to go one vs all the time. The way the team plays, we get a chance to achieve a lot, so I just want to be ready, be sure and do everything for the purpose.”
The subtle movement and close control that captures opposition veterans outside the guard is a place where Kerolin thrives. But 14 only played 39 WSL minutes, but he already grabbed the eye. She played the second half of the City’s victory Fa Cup over Leicester over the weekend, scoring her first club goal, celebrating the gesture “I’m glad to” meet you “towards the fans.
Although there is a fierce competition for the place in the XI Gareth Taylor, given the immense form of Mary Fowler and the presence of world class attackers Bunny Shaw and Viv Miedema, all initial signs are positive.
“I’ve only been here for two weeks, but I’m happy because I’m doing what I love.” A huge smile is certainly proof of that.
City may have discovered another gem to score.
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