Matildas wunderkind Mary Fowler has taken the biggest step of her fledgling career,joining English powerhouse Manchester City on a four-year deal.
Fowler,who has scored seven goals in 24 games for Australia since her debut as a 15-year-old,has emerged as one of the top young talents in women’s football.
The 19-year-old striker joins City from Montpellier and is set to play in the Women’s Super League and Women’s Champions League alongside Matildas teammates Hayley Raso and Alanna Kennedy.
“I’m really excited and proud to be joining this club - it’s a team that I’ve always wanted to play for,so I’m honoured to have this opportunity,” Fowler said.
“I really admire the team’s style of play. When City play,you see football and how beautiful it is,and you can really fall in love with the game just by watching them,both the women and the men’s teams.
“As much as I love winning,I enjoy doing it while playing attractive football and that was a huge part of my decision to join.
“I’m still young and I’ve got a lot to learn,so being at a club like Manchester City where I’ll be surrounded by amazing staff and coaches,as well as playing alongside and against some of the best players in the world,I feel that I have everything I need to fulfil my potential.”
Fowler has enjoyed a breakout year at international level and stood out in Australia’s run to the Tokyo Olympics semi-finals,including scoring in the quarter-final win over Great Britain.