Football is in Kerolin's DNA. Growing up in Brazil, the country with football engraved in its national identity, it is almost difficult to escape. But often for female players, the path to professionalism is much less kicked.
Kerolin represents an exception to the rule. She remembers her football that was based on the streets of Sao Paulo and played barefoot with boys, which is not uncommon – but from those early experiences she felt passionate about being different.
“I really believe that playing with the boys when I was young brought something to me.” Kerolin, now 25, maps her ginga (which translates as a wave) roots as central for the player and person she has become. An attacker with street skills, pace and strength, as well as incredible working ethics, made the rise of the Brazilian more likely than most.
She embodies the 'soul of football'.
“I played on the street with the boys with nothing on my feet, no shoes. I don't know how to say, but with my toes out, and when you shoot the ball, it hurts.
“I thought about being more powerful, stronger and faster and to protect the ball – these things I have now come from those moments with the boys on the street. I remember that I was super, super young and had to dribble so quickly. “
Kerolin was convinced. Even admitted to the hospital with osteomyelitis – a form of bone infection – and cellulite in her leg at the age of 11 could not deter her. Doctors advised to avoid contact sport, but she continued to exist.
The forward erupted on stage as a teenage talent at Sao Paulo -based Zijponte Preta for a hugely successful three -year -old Stint in the US with North Carolina Courage, who ended the most recent season with 14 targeted involvement in 24 performances.
The Brazilian international also claimed the prize of the most valuable player – the first South American to win the prize.
So why Manchester City? “I have many reasons why I wanted to move to the WSL.
“It will be my first Champions League, so that makes me really excited, and the City team is doing well. I want to try to help the best way I can. We never know, maybe I can do the balloon d'Or Wining day play here.
“The way in which city game looks like my team in the US. I felt ready. Always the most arranged players play here or in Spain, usually here. To be in the vision of the world, I thought:” Maybe I should have that Being in the UK '.
Kerolin – who also had a transfer of Arsenal in the January window – has heaven -high ambitions. “I want to try to become the best player in the world,” she said when signing for City in January.
And her style, forged in Brazil and sharpened in the US, neatly corresponds to that of her new club. City's on possession -based football brand should mean that the transition is a flexible.
“I knew how big the club was, but when I came, I thought,” Wow, this is huge. “The dream came true, the people, the girls made it very easy.
“I'm going to give everything for my teammates, the fans go to see a player who works hard to do every part of the game – to defend, attack. I will be happy if I score goals and having fun with the girls, But also with the right responsibilities.
“It's crazy how quickly things happen. The coach tells me that I always have to go one-about-one. Goal.”
Subtle movement and close-control that overwhelms opposition drivers is where Kerolin thrives. The No. 14 has only played 39 WSL -minutes, but was already noticeable. She played the second half of the FA Cup victory of City on Leicester at the weekend and scored her first club goal, celebrated with a gesture “Nice to meet you” to fans.
Although there is fierce competition for a place in Gareth Taylor's XI, given the immense form of Mary Fowler and the presence of Forward Bunny Shaw and Viv Miedema from World Class, all starting signals are positive.
“I have only been here for two weeks, but I am happy because I do what I love.” The enormous smile is certainly proof of that.
City may have discovered another goal -up gem.
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