20-year-old Ellie Carpenter spoke with the Australian media and reflected on her personal achievement as the first female Aussie footballer to be crowned as a European champion.
Carpenter spoke about the surreal experience, with the Champions League final played behind closed doors for the first time.
“It’s not normal for such a big occasion, but when that final whistle went, we were celebrating, going crazy” Carpenter told SEN Sports Radio.
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The unusual circumstances were exemplified by the new domestic season starting on Sunday, a point the Westfield Matilda explained had an effect on the trophy celebrations.
“Not much time for partying, we are straight into training tomorrow, back on the pitch, preparing for our first game.”
“It was pretty crazy in the change rooms after the game. We had a private jet take us from Spain back to France, so on that plane it was crazy.”
ABC’s News Breakfast, commented on the fullback’s June transfer to French side Olympique Lyonnais, with the seven-time European champions being labelled as the best club team in women’s football. Carpenter was very clear on the reason her side has gathered so much success.
“This club is second to none, they treat us equal to the men, that’s why they produce the best players” Carpenter said.
“That's why they say it’s (Lyon) the best of the best.”
The former Cowra native also spoke of the impact playing for Lyon will have on her future form leading into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
I’m really excited to start fresh, this new season is important for me to progress as a player and hopefully in 2023, be in the best shape”.
Whie Carpenter did not play minutes in the final stretch of the competition, with England's Lucy Bronze departing she is set to take over the right full back position.
It is an almost like for like change with the 20 year old exhibiting many of the qualities that has made Bronze, eight years her senior, one of the best players and defenders in the world.
Taking over that mantle at arguably the world's best women's club side is just another milestone in the incredibly fast rise of Ellie Carpenter.
Olympique Lyonnais will start their domestic season at home to Paris FC on Monday morning Australian time.
