We continue our countdown to Christmas with an interview from our No.17 Sandy Baltimore. The French international has enjoyed an impressive start to life in London after joining the Blues this summer.
The 24-year-old, who could be in action for the final time this year when we play Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League this evening, has made a positive impression since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in her native France.
Featuring on 11 occasions across all competitions thus far, with eight of those in the Women's Super League and seven being league starts, Baltimore has showcased exactly why she was brought to Chelsea.
Throughout the campaign, she has earned plaudits from those watching on and those closer to home. Her versatility has allowed Bompastor to play Baltimore in her preferred position on the wing and in defence when needed.
'It’s gone really well,' Baltimore reflected on her first months with the Blues. 'I have received a great welcome, and I have got a lot of playing time. The coach has given me a lot of confidence, and I am very happy to be here.
'Honestly, I didn’t expect to play so much so quickly. Chelsea are a great club with so many good players, and when I came I knew it would be hard, but I wasn’t putting pressure on myself. I was calm. Now, I am here and I have got lots of playing time, and voila, I am happy!'
The first half of the season has yielded two goals for the France international. Her maiden Chelsea goal arrived in a London derby win against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, a standout moment to date, Baltimore says.
'The league match against Arsenal,' she said when asked about her highlights so far. 'There were a lot of people there. It was not an easy match, but it was my first goal in the league, it was against Arsenal and I was very happy.'
It is not only on the pitch where Baltimore has settled in quickly. England is starting to feel more like home and she credits her team-mates' support for helping during that process.
'The girls have helped me a lot,' she said. 'We are all together. Since I arrived, they have been very welcoming. If I need to, I can ask them any questions. On the pitch, they encourage me a lot. If I miss a pass, they encourage me. It’s a really positive environment.'
After tonight's clash in Spain, Baltimore will soon return to Paris and spend time with her family and friends during the winter break. But, she already knows what she wants to achieve in the second half of the campaign.
'We want to start with a run of victories,' the winger said. 'I hope we can win all the titles.'
She might have only been at the club for only six months, but it's clear from that reply that Baltimore has already adopted the winning mentality a Blue must possess.
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