Kerolin excited for fresh City challenge

Kerolin Nicoli says she can’t wait to showcase her talents at City and is relishing the challenge that joining the Blues presents.

The Brazil international has become our latest January recruit following the signings of Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama.

Moving to the Joie Stadium from North Carolina Courage, the exciting forward became the first South American to win the NWSL’s Most Valuable Player award in 2023, also winning the Challenge Cup twice.

But now the 25-year-old will start a new chapter in her career at City; an opportunity she’s excited to grasp with both hands.

WATCH: Kerolin is a Blue!

She said: “I have so much confidence, but I know it’s going to be really hard, so I need to keep working hard to be great here.

“I know there will be some differences between here and where I’ve played before, but I’m really excited.

“I spoke with the coach a little bit and I know what he wants from me and I will try to do my best to help the team.

“I like to be challenged and before I came here I knew it would be a challenge, but I think the way I can play is showing the coach in every training session.

“I can’t wait to start to show him my game, have some starts or whatever he thinks is better for the team.”

Kerolin was part of the Brazil side who picked up a silver medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, scoring in a 4-2 win over World Champions Spain in the semi-finals.

The 25-year-old is already nearing 50 appearances for her country, and feels the chance to test herself in England will stand her in good stead ahead of the next World Cup in 2027, which Brazil are set to host.

Indeed, exposure to the Barclays Women’s Super League was a key factor in the forward’s decision to join City.

“When I was looking for the league, here I think the players are really technical and the teams are compact,” she explained.

“I want to be better, to learn different things and to come here to be challenged and also play against the defenders who will play in the next World Cup in Brazil in 2027.

“It makes me confident to be prepared for the next World Cup in Brazil.”