Charlton Athletic are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Emily van Egmond from WSL2 side Leicester City.
The 33-year-old Australian international has won titles in Germany, the USA and her native Australia in an incredible career so far that has also seen her become the most capped Matilda ever.
Now, Van Egmond will bring her talents to SE7, and she's ready to get started.
"Yeah, it feels amazing. I'm obviously excited for the new challenge and just can’t wait for the season to start.
"When I first initially spoke to Charlton, it was just the culture [that made me want to sign] and, to be honest with you, the winning mentality and the ambition the club has set.
"I felt like that really aligned with myself as a person and a player and got a good feel, and [I’m] excited to be here."
Van Egmond is the third Aussie who has joined the club this season, after Grace Johnston and Leah Davidson. Davidson has even played with Van Egmond before for the national team.
On the Aussie contingent, Van Egmond said: "It’s really nice to walk to the changing room and have a couple of familiar faces from Australia here.
"I think it’s special, but I also think it’s really great to show the talent coming through. I’ve got no doubt they’ll give their all being an Aussie, giving their best for the club."
Having signed from Leicester City and played for West Ham, Van Egmond has experience in the WSL and can bring her knowledge of the league to the club.
"I think, at the moment, with where the WSL is, it’s probably the top, if not competing with the top two leagues in the world.
"Being in America for a large portion of my career, I think the difference is it’s looking to control the game with the ball and not as transitional.
"In saying that, this year’s going to be very exciting, and I think every team looked to bolster their squad and the investment is amazing to see across the board and, again, I just can’t wait for the season to start."
When asked what she can bring to the team, Van Egmond said: "To bring my experience to the team, but as a whole to go out and be as successful as we can be as a group, as a club.
"Like I said before, the WSL is evolving rapidly. The investment’s amazing across the board, and for Charlton to be in this position to be competing with some of the best players and clubs in the world, I think it shows their ambition as a club as well, and I couldn't be happier to be part of this club, and I just can’t wait for round one."
