That’s why I signed for Barcelona’ – Keira Walsh eyeing another quadruple as Lionesses star insists she is ‘happy’ at club despite WSL return talk

Reflecting on her experience, Walsh told the club media, “It was my first quadruple, and I want to do it again this season. That’s why I play for Barcelona. But I think to me, the most important thing is that the way we want to play and the way we want to win, it’s about playing good football at the same time.

“That’s why I signed for this club. I think that the ambition is there for every single one of us to go and win another Champions League. Hopefully, I can make it three [in a row].”

Despite the allure of top English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea, Walsh remains focused on continuing her success in Spain, especially under new manager Pere Romeu, who has unlocked many more possibilities for the midfielder at the centre of the park.

“I’m happy here. I’ve got a good relationship with all of the staff, all of the players. Everyone’s really supportive. For me, it’s a great place to be as a midfielder,” she added.

“I’m always learning, always improving, and I think with the new manager [Pere Romeu], he has a lot of confidence in me and he makes me feel confident when I’m playing. So yeah, for me, I think I’m really happy here and yeah, we’ll just see how the season goes and hopefully we can win more trophies together.”

Barcelona will face Walsh’s former club, Manchester City, in their UEFA Women’s Champions League opener which will mark her first return to Manchester since she left for Spain in 2022. The 27-year-old revealed that she is ready for a sentimental homecoming with friends and family set to be in the stands.

“It’s a really special moment for me,” she added. “It’s the first time I’ve been back since I’ve signed.

“I think my grandma is coming to the game, which is nice. She’s not watched me play for the last few years, so I think she’s excited as well. It’ll be nice to see so many of my friends and family in the stands. I felt bad because I think I’ve taken quite a lot of tickets for this game, which is unusual for me because normally I don’t take that many.”

Walsh’s return to Manchester will undoubtedly be a poignant moment, but for her, the focus remains firmly on the future. “Obviously I have friends on the City team as well but once we cross that white line it’s total professional mode,” she said. “It’s not going to be an easy game. We need to go there and play well and I’m fully focused on that.”