Codina on why she joined West Ham project

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Spain defender Laia Codina says West Ham’s plans under manager Rita Guarino convinced her to leave Arsenal, despite a successful and personally important three-year spell with the Gunners. Codina, 26, made 58 appearances for Arsenal, won the Champions League and League Cup, and described the club as a new family after her move to England from Barcelona in 2023.

Codina told BBC Sport that leaving Arsenal was difficult because of the relationships she built there, but she felt the timing was right. She said Guarino’s directness and vision were central to her decision, explaining that the Italian manager set out clearly what she wanted from both Codina and the team. Guarino joined West Ham in December after previously leading Juventus to four straight Serie A titles.

West Ham finished 10th in the Women’s Super League last season and have faced scrutiny in recent years over limited investment, according to the BBC report. This summer, the club have added Codina, forward Ebony Salmon, and younger signings Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing as part of a wider rebuild. Codina said she wanted to contribute to a team’s development rather than only join established title-winning sides, and suggested West Ham aim to become more comfortable in possession while retaining defensive organisation.

The BBC also notes that Codina remains based in London and has already worked with West Ham’s foundation in east London. She said football gives her a chance to connect with young people and emphasise that the sport is about more than trophies, elite leagues or international selection.