Alicia Russo Push for Capacity Crowds in Women's Soccer | Football News
- Arsenal Women sell Emirates Stadium thrice
- The Gunners recently set a WSL attendance record against Manchester United
- Rossouw praises Kelly Smith and Marta for leading women’s football
Arsenal striker Alicia Russo says women are finally getting the respect and attention they deserve as the Gunners are attracting a large number of people inside the Emirates Stadium.
After losing to Wolfsburg in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League 2023, Arsenal played in their last two WSL matches against both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur against the maximum capacity Emirates.
With 60,160 spectators against United and 60,050 against Spurs, Arsenal’s average attendance this season is more than ten Premier League teams and this feat has not been wasted on Rossouw.
“It’s incredible,” she said, talking about the support of Emirates loyalists for 90 minutes at the Adobe Women’s FA Cup panel event at Wembley. Every time you step in front of the stadium like this, your legs stand up. As a player, it’s very special, and the fact that we’re doing it consistently now, as Arsenal and as a club, we’re really paving the way.
Alicia Russo: Women's game deserves stadium sell-out crowds
“That’s what we deserve. It’s nice to play in front of more and more people, and hopefully that’s something we’ll continue to do. The credit goes to the women’s game and the credit goes to the fans.
These bumper fans have seen an exciting run for the WSL title this season. Rossouw’s Arsenal face both Manchester City and Chelsea, who will host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge later this month.
About the title race, she says, “It’s really close. “It’s going to be tough, (Chelsea) is a high-quality team. This league, this title race and everything that comes with it is huge.
You have to bring your A game every week. Rousseau is aware of the need to pay tribute to those who paved the way for women’s football and is fighting for her right to play in front of such a large crowd.
Talking about his favourite players, Russo added: “I was a huge fan of Kelly Smith when I was a kid, and now she’s my coach, which is really great. It’s a little full-circle moment. I loved watching him play. She was a high-quality forward.
“Marta too. What he did for Brazil and football in general is a true legend of the game. [His retirement] was a sad day for football, but the legacy he has left behind on the game is unbelievable. She will forever be written in history books, as she was an incredible player, but also a leader in the women’s game.