Kerstin Casparij is adjusting quickly to life in Manchester.
The summer signing from FC Twente has started seven of Manchester City’s first eight WSL matches, has her first Manchester derby on the horizon, and is working hard to perfect the Manchester accent.
There’s one word in particular that she’s nailed.
“To be honest I’ve been getting a little rusty, so I really do have to pick up the pace and get into it. I’m trying to up my game in the Manchester accent,” Casparij told 90min. “Hopefully I’ll come [up] with some other funny things other than just buzzin’,” she added, putting some extra Mancunian emphasis on the final word.
Moving away from her native Netherlands to a new country at the age of just 22 to join City could be a daunting experience for many. But Casparij has been forced to mature quickly, after being thrust into the Heerenveen senior team at the age of just 15.
“It was very weird for me because I was 15 and basically a child,” she laughed. “I was with girls who were literally 14 years older than I was, so that makes you grow up really fast and different things get expected from you.
“And I think that has been great for me as a player but also as a person, and it really, really made me grow in every aspect of life. So I would recommend making your debut at a young age!”
Having left home before her 17th birthday when she made the switch from Heerenveen to VV Alkmaar, starting a new life in England was something she was able to take in her stride.
“The first time I moved out of my parents house I was 16 just turning 17 and I didn’t have a car or even a licence at that time because I wasn’t allowed to drive,” the right back added. “So living three hours away with public transportation, having to live off barely any money, it really makes you grow up and learn about life.
“You just really have to become an adult at quite a young age, and that really shaped me into the person I am today. So having done all that, moving here was actually easy for me because I’m an adult now and I grew up.”
City’s style of play and the way Gareth Taylor saw her fitting into the team were big factors in the attack-minded fullback opting to make the switch to Manchester this summer.
Another attraction of the WSL for Casparij was the fans, who she has enjoyed interacting with both in the stands: “I always try and make time for them, because they travel so far even to our away games; I’m not used to that so I really appreciate it” – and on the streets of Manchester -…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at 90min EN…