Kent-born Alessia Russo was left in tears as she helped Arsenal to victory in the UEFA Women’s Champions League tonight.
Her team beat Barcelona 1-0 during a nail-biting final at The Estádio José Alvalade stadium in Lisbon.
Stina Blackstenius scored the winner with less than 20 minutes to go as the Gunners stunned the Spanish giants to win the competition for just the second time in their history.
Russo, who led The Gunners’ line for 92 minutes, was visibly emotional following the final whistle in what was the Maidstone-born striker’s biggest achievement in club football.
Speaking to TNT Sports, the 26-year-old said: “We worked so hard and it just feels amazing. Just amazing.
“We had to suffer a lot, they are a top side.
“We knew coming into the game we would have to suffer and there would be moments where we wouldn’t have the ball. We had to be content and happy with not having the ball knowing our moment would come.
“Our squad just wanted it so badly. I can’t say enough.
“It feels surreal. We did what we knew we could. I believed since the moment our Champions League journey started we had the capability.
“We knew we could be good enough – it was just about going and doing it.
“We will be celebrating at the Emirates with them (the fans) on Monday.”
The result is one of the greatest in Arsenal, and Russo’s, history alongside her England’s Women’s Euros final triumph in 2022.
She went to East Farleigh Primary and St Simon Stock Secondary and played Bearsted FC in the early stages of her career.
Russo also played youth football for West Farleigh before being scouted by Charlton Athletic, and later signing for Arsenal following stints at Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Tonight’s success comes barely a year after she was also awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough by Maidstone Borough Council in February 2024.
The accolade – presented to her at an Extraordinary Council Meeting in the Town Hall – was made in recognition of her being a person of distinction and acknowledging the contribution she makes as part of the England Lionesses Football Team.
