Q&AMari Ward interview: 'I want to show what I can do and reach my potential here'
The 20-year-old, who has been capped by England at U23 level, finalised her switch to the Reds from Bristol City today.
Shortly after completing a medical and signing on the dotted line at the AXA Melwood Training Centre, the full-back sat down with Liverpoolfc.com to give her immediate reaction.
Read on for the interview in full…
Mari, welcome to Liverpool. We are thrilled to have you here. How pleased are you to join the team?
Yeah, I'm so excited. Liverpool is such a huge club with such a big history. So, to be a Liverpool player now is really special.
We're here on the pitches at Melwood at the moment. You just had your first tour of the place, so what are your first impressions?
It's honestly better than I could have imagined. You can see the history of the building and how much has happened here. So yeah, it's really special to be here today.
In terms of the facilities as well, they really are second to none, aren't they?
Yeah, for sure. It's next level. The changing room, everything is so good.
This place is absolutely steeped in history and you'll learn a lot more about that the more you are here. But in terms of the decision to join Liverpool, obviously one of the biggest teams in the world, I presume it was quite an easy choice for you...
Yeah, for sure. Liverpool is such a huge club, so when I heard they were interested, they've made me feel so valued and I couldn't have asked to feel any better.
And I know you've got your family here today – dad is watching in the wings. What was their reaction when you told them the news that you were joining Liverpool?
They were really happy for me. They also think it's the right decision for the next step of my career. Everyone's hoping it's going to be the good choice.
You are still very early on in your career, so for those reading who might not have seen too much of you play so far, just describe your game and how you like to play...
I'd say I'm an attacking full-back that likes to get forward and get back, and likes to create and join in attacking.
You're an England youth international as well, which is obviously huge, and that means you will know some of our girls who are already here at Liverpool – the likes of Zara Shaw, who you've spoken to about your decision to join...
I've spoken to her quite a lot, to be fair. She's been really positive and answering all my questions. She really helped.
You're originally from Cornwall, so you're moving fairly far away from home by coming here. Having familiar faces in the team, that makes all the difference, doesn't it?
For sure. I think it helps so much feeling comfortable in the environment. So, I'm looking forward to it.
What are your hopes for this season coming then and what kind of a difference do you feel that you can make to this team?
I just hope that I can learn so much from the good players and the good coaching staff around me and try to take it all in as much as possible. And then show what I can do on the pitch and reach my potential.
You've got the training kit on at the moment, but at some point you will pull on the shirt for real in a competitive game. What will that feel like for you? Hearing You'll Never Walk Alone as well for the first time is a spine-tingling moment that awaits you...
I can't wait to put on the Liverpool shirt for the first time. It's going to be so special. And to walk out as a Liverpool player, it's still unreal to even think about it. I can't wait for that moment.
And off the pitch as well, how much are you looking forward to exploring the city? You'll have heard quite a lot about Liverpool – what are you looking forward to seeing?
It's a really nice city from what I've seen. Everyone I've met has been so friendly. So, I'm really looking forward to exploring more of the city.