Having committed her future to Chelsea after joining the club from San Diego Wave, new signing Naomi Girma has big ambitions for the Blues and has laid them out in a letter to her future self…
To future Naomi,
How are you enjoying London? I'm sure it feels like home now. You'll have the places you like to visit; your go-to spots in the city. Of course, as I write this today, it feels different. It's a big move, the first time you're going to live outside of California!
But I'm excited. Chelsea, the vibe of the city, the people, the football culture, everything! I bet it’s lived up to expectations – and then some.
I know by now you'll have become part of the Chelsea community. Community is obviously where it all began for us, playing with Dad at Maleda in San Jose. It's how we were brought up, it’s still one of our biggest values.
Our community in London is Blue. Continue to be a light within it, just as you always tried to be back home.
Chelsea is going to make you a winner. I’m sure of it. There are four trophies to win...I hope you've lifted them all! Yet the most important thing is to do it as part of our team.
This team, well, you know how successful it is. Our own energy is being added to the squad and our open mindset will continue to help push the team forward. That’s what matters to me.
I hope you can look back now and say…damn, I got better! This is the right place to develop and progress. You’ll know that for sure now.
To work under Sonia Bompastor, to play at this club, it's everything you need to go to the next level. Refining skills and growing technically, tactically, physically and mentally is the way to improve.
I'm sure you've learned so much from the players here. How could you not have? Their experiences in the WSL, what so many have achieved on the international stage with their countries, I'm looking forward to taking it all on board.
That will be key to your success, no doubt. Integrating into the team, understanding the style of play and executing it, and then of course trophies. Multiple trophies. Season after season! I hope you've enjoyed those moments already.
But keep challenging yourself. Keep holding yourself to a high standard. And most importantly, make sure you enjoy it all. As you know, that’s when we produce our best!
Nay