Manchester City’s women’s team have signed Liverpool Ladies captain Gemma Bonner.
The English international centre back, 26, has joined the club on a two year deal after a six year stint at the Merseyside club and was named Liverpool Ladies Player of the Year last season.
She had previously won the WSL title with Liverpool in 2013 and 2014 before making the move to Manchester this summer.
Bonner was excited to be part of the City set-up with her new team-mates, many of whom she already knew from the international scene or from other clubs. She said:
“I’m really excited. It’s great to be part of such a special club. I think they’ve been the leading team in the women’s game for a couple of years now, so I’m delighted to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I think City have shown the way for women’s football and the younger generation. They’ve really been the leading light and since they’ve come into the League, they’ve really taken the game to the next level and that can only encourage the young girls out there aspiring to be footballers. It’s been great to see what they’ve been doing both on and off the pitch.
“I know a lot of the girls. I’ve played with some of them internationally and at previous clubs as well. I spoke to a couple of players and they only said positive things about the Club.
“As players, you want to be at the top clubs competing against the top teams. The players that they’ve got here, the quality of training and the intensity is something they’ve all spoken about, and the level of coaching, so I feel it will take me to the next level.”
Gemma Bonner has joined Manchester City Women to win trophies
Although City ended last season without any silverware, Bonner believes that trophies will come during her time at the club, adding: “I want to win more trophies, that’s one thing I’ve come here to do.
“The Club have shown they’re competing on a regular basis in all competitions.
“I’ve experienced playing in the Champions League and it’s an opportunity to do that here. I just want to keep on improving and keep being successful.”
Bonner has nine appearances and one goal for England’s senior team and will take the number 4 shirt which was worn by City midfielder Tessel Middag last season.
Middag has left the club along with Scotland striker Jane Ross after City opted not to renew their contracts while Julia Spetsmark’s brief stay in England ended trophy less as she struggled to make an impact in manager Nick Cushing’s plans following her arrival on a short term deal from KIF Orebo FF.
City have so far signed Caroline Weir and Lauren Hemp – both attacking players – as they look to strengthen the squad again in time for the new season.