Mastrantonio relishing new challenge.

Mastrantonio was City’s first signing ahead of the new season who arrived from Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League, and the midfielder raring to go ahead of the 2020/2021 campaign.

“It’s great to be here, it’s an honour to sign for such a club and be here in the Barclays FAWSL,” said Mastrantonio.

“The weather has been great so far which is really good and I’m settling in really well.

“Everyone’s really lovely here, everyone makes sure to say hello and spark up a conversation and it’s good that I know Chloe [Logarzo] from Australia, but everyone’s super friendly and obviously that makes a big difference in trying to settle in as quickly as possible, so it’s great.”

The 28-year-old made over 100 appearances in 12 years in the W-League where she played with City manager Tanya Oxtoby at Perth Glory.

Mastrantonio has made six international appearances for Australia since making her debut in 2008 and is hoping her first season in England can help put her back into contention for selection with the Matildas.

“As I said before, the Barclays FAWSL is the best league in the world at the moment.

“Europe is the place to be for women’s football, you see all the Matilda’s come over here and plying their trade now over in the European countries and leagues, so I think It was the time for me.

"After a decent season with the [Western Sydney] Wanderers I was about the age to really test myself against the best players and the best teams in the world, hopefully I can get back into the national team.”

Written by: Lewis Barton