Barça's Keira Walsh on world record transfer fee & moving to the next level

Barça's Keira Walsh on world record transfer fee & moving to the next level

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Walsh spoke after making her Barcelona debut in Saturday's 2-0 win over Granadilla

Keira Walsh says Barcelona has provided the step up in her career she was looking for after joining from Manchester City for a women's world record transfer fee of over €400,000. 

England midfielder Walsh, 25, made her Barca debut on Saturday in the Liga F opener against Granadilla Tenerife. 

Goals from Geyse and Caroline Graham Hansen ensured Barca got off to a winning start at the Johan Cruyff in front of just under 5,000 supporters. 

"I think training has been better than I what I expected," Walsh said after the game. "The level is just the next step. I think the intensity the girls train at and the level of detail we get in training is incredible. 

"Even tactically, the way [Granadilla] set up today, they made it difficult for us, especially in the first half. But this is why I came to Barcelona, to make my game better and reach the next step. I am sure I will do that here.

"I am really happy to be here and really proud to be wearing the Barcelona shirt. I think it's going to take me a bit of time to settle in and find my feet a bit and get my confidence. 

"But I enjoyed the game and the girls have all been really helpful to help me settle in, that's really helped me."  

Walsh says the fact she has become the most expensive player ever in the women's game is not something that is distracting her. 

"I don't look into it too much," she added. "I am playing with the best players in the world in training and it just so happens that's what they paid for me. 

"I don't see myself like that, I am here to be a good player and improve. For me, it was just about that really."  

Walsh, who is benefitting from the presence of England teammate Lucy Bronze in the Barça squad, says it's been a bit of a struggle adapting to a new country but she has had plenty of support. 

"The heat is definitely different to Manchester it's fair to say," she smiled. "There was a little bit of rain yesterday which was nice, it reminded me of home. 

"I have pretty much been a tourist for the last few days, just exploring. My mum and dad are here to help me settle in, which is nice. Everyone has been really helpful, the transition has not been easy but they have made it as easy as possible."

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