Choi Yuri, who recently moved to Birmingham City Women in England, has revealed the story behind her transfer.
During an interview at the National Training Center (NFC) in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, on the 18th, Choi Yuri joined Birmingham City Women on the 15th. The club currently plays in the English Championship (2nd Division) and has one draw and three losses in four league games this season.
The women’s national team, led by Colin Bell, had been training for five days, and Choi was able to make the move to a foreign club in the midst of her busy schedule. “The offer came while I was still with the national team, so I had a short period of time to decide. A lot of players congratulated me, and the news of my transfer made me feel better,” she said, adding that the national team took a lot of things into consideration.
“For the development of women’s soccer, I thought it would be good for the team to have at least one player who can go to a better league and face a lot of foreign players to gain experience and boost morale,” she said.
Choi also took advice from the seniors on the team who had overseas experience, especially Ji-So-Yeon, who would shout “Birmingham” when Choi caught the ball in training.
“I had a lot of communication with her when I transferred,” Choi said. She always wanted her players to go abroad, so she encouraged me to challenge myself at a young age. This time, she really congratulated me as well, so I think that’s why I played a lot of pranks,” she laughed.
Choi still had time left on her contract with the Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, but her former team was kind enough to help her finalize the move quickly. “I always wanted to go abroad after the World Cup. The club was very considerate and supportive, so I was able to make the move,” he said, thanking Incheon Hyundai Steel.
Birmingham City Women already have South Korean women’s soccer legend Cho So-hyun on their roster. She joined Birmingham City Women on a 1+1 year contract after her contract with Tottenham Hotspur Women expired last season. 온라인바카라
Choi was excited to play alongside Choi. “I think she’s going to help me a lot. I’ve already been in touch with Cho’s sister, who said she’ll fit in well. I also have a best friend in England, so I’ll be waiting for her,” she said.
The women’s soccer team will now begin their Asian Games journey against Myanmar on Feb. 22 (KST). “We have prepared a lot of things for the next two weeks, even on hot days, so please support us,” Choi said.