London City Lionesses sign Spanish international defender León

London City Lionesses sign Spanish international defender León London City Lionesses have completed the signing of Spanish international defender María León on a three-year deal. WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release from The Pride this morning. The 31-year-old defender joins London City Lionesses on a free transfer after leaving Spanish giants FC Barcelona. León spent nine years with Barca in which she won 25 major trophies including seven league titles and four UEFA Women’s Champions Leagues. On the international stage, León has been capped by Spain on 62 occasions while she has scored one goal for her country. After joining London City Lionesses, León said “I’m excited and happy to be here. It’s an interesting and attractive project. I have seen what is being built and what is taking shape. “I played in Spain for many years and I felt now was the right time to move given the project. The English league is helping women’s football grow. I wanted to test myself in another country, another league, playing a different type of football. “What can I say about Michele [Kang]? I think it is incredible what Michele conveys. She is an inspirational woman who wants women’s football to develop and thrive. Of course, I want to be part of something like this, a club which has been created for women. “My teammates will help me settle into the new environment and I hope my experience and leadership can help the team this season. I am looking forward to working with head coach Eder [Maestre], the staff and my new teammates. “Everyone has told me London is a cool city and that I’m going to love it. I’ll take it step-by-step. My aim is to adapt as quickly as possible to the team and the league and from there be able to give my best contribution as a player and as a person. “My intention here is to reach the highest level as quickly as possible. Everything in a project goes in stages and requires hard work. “I want to keep winning and still have the determination to be able to achieve this. Hopefully, we can do this with London City Lionesses.” León is London City Lionesses’ fifth signing of the summer transfer window.