Jill Roord

“People expect a lot of me, which is normal and I also want them to, but I am still one of the youngest here.”

“When you come home and you’ve won, you’ll be energetic and to go back to a quiet place with all that adrenaline going is not for me. I like to hang out with the other girls, chill and just enjoy the win.”

“I’m loud when it comes to celebrating. I like to be around people after a game.”

“It’s important for me to have fun. On the pitch, off the pitch and cerebrate if you win.”

“It’s so important to be yourself and follow those ambitions. Regardless of what people say.”

“I want to be one of the best players in the world. That’s my goal, that’s what I want to achieve.”

“I basically live in the moment, game by game.”

“I love football so much but it’s also important for me to switch off in order to perform well. I need to switch off after training so that I am mentally fresh for the next session.”

“I don’t like to tell myself “you need to score ten times”.”

“My focus is always on that particular game and that moment. I try not to think beyond that.”

“A lot of people set targets and that works for them but for me I just live in the moment.”

“Pressure! No, I’m pretty chilled. I go game by game, week to week rather than setting goals.”

“I’m focused on playing well rather than searching for fame or anything like that.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m looking for attention or the spotlight, no. I’d say that if I deserve the spotlight because of how I’m playing then I’d want it but for me I’m driven over good performances rather than looking for attention.”

“It is strange but I’m proud to be considered a role model. It’s almost weird to hear those words but they mean a lot.”

“I feel that everyone has their own thing about them that makes them unique.”

“We’re comfortable, we have fun and we’re successful.”

“I do play better when I have a sense of freedom on the pitch. Any time I’ve got that, I’m happy.”

“Now I’m older and a more important player. And while that brings pressure with it, I like it too.”