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Women's football: England striker Lianne Sanderson rejoins Arsenal Ladies

England forward Lianne Sanderson (l) celebrates after scoring the fourth England goal during the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup qualifier v Wales
Image: Lianne Sanderson: Has rejoined Arsenal Ladies

England striker Lianne Sanderson has rejoined Arsenal Ladies from National Women’s Soccer League side Boston Breakers.

The 26-year-old began her career with the Arsenal before joining Chelsea in 2008 after more than a decade with the north London club.

Sanderson, who has been named in Mark Sampson’s England squad for the friendly with Germany, has also had spells with American sides Philadelphia Independence and DC United and European side Espanyol.

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News HQ at a recent FA Women’s Super League match Sanderson hinted a return to England could be on the cards.

“I haven’t been to many games but I’m glad I came tonight,” she said. “The game has come on leaps and bounds but we’ve still got a long way to go and hopefully players like myself can push the next generation forward.

“At the moment I’m still trying to decide what to do for next season because it’s important for me to put myself in the best position physically and mentally.

“The travelling has been hard. I’ve been flying every two weeks, flying from Chicago to Kansas to Seattle to London and back. Playing football when you’re jet-lagged is hard but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I do feel like coming back when I see the fans and their reaction towards me. I know I stick out like a sore thumb because of my hair but they all want pictures with me which is great. It’s lovely to come back this many years later and see how appreciative the fans are of me.”

The South Londoner was named Breakers’ Most Valuable Player in 2013 and has been playing at Cypriot First Division side Apollon Limassol during the NWSL off-season.

On completing Sanderson’s signing, Arsenal Ladies manager Pedro Martinez Losa said: “Lianne is a player of outstanding quality. She is quick, strong, a great finisher – she has everything that you could require from a top striker.

“I know her abilities well from her time in the United States and Spain, with Espanyol and I am confident that she will prove a big asset to the team.”

Sportswomen is live on Sky Sports News HQ on Tuesday at 1130 and repeated at 7pm on Sky Sports 4 that evening before becoming available On Demand.

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