Quotes from Fran Kirby

For me, I want to be scoring goals. That's what I'm judged on, and that's what I judge myself on.

It is great to see kits designed specifically with us in mind.

Now I have a deal with Swarovski! Growing up, my grandma, mum, and I collected the crystals, so that is really incredible.

I've had so many coaches that have helped me along the way through my journey, who understand me and know me as a person.

I just remember playing in my school and then getting invited to go along to train with a development squad at Reading. My first training session, the manager said, 'You have to come and play with the academy girls,' so that would probably be my first footballing memory.

Ultimately, we are doing the same job as the men, but I understand that we're not filling out stadiums.

I really enjoy putting the ball in the back of the net. I enjoy being the person that's creating things for the team.

People expect you to dribble past 10 players and put the ball in the back of the net.

I've accepted now that it's okay not to be okay. It is okay to be upset, and it is okay to need to talk to someone.

I joined the international stage quite late. I didn't do many of the youth age groups, so to come into the senior team and to be offered a Nike deal - a very, very low Nike deal to start with - but I was jumping up to bite the woman's hand off to sign the piece of paper.

For me, I want to put football in the best possible way: where the girls play professionally, get the sponsorships they deserve, and set themselves up after football so that they're not struggling and asking themselves what they're going to do.

Before my mum passed away, I was a very extroverted person; I was very outgoing. I didn't care what people thought about me.

I was playing at sixth form - training in the morning and going to the gym in the afternoon. I was doing my studying alongside it; then I'd go to training from eight to 10 at night.

I used to have a little Geordie accent when I was younger; they called me Little Geordie Fran.

I've got massive respect for Marta, I've loved watching her play, and I love seeing what she does on the ball. If I can try and emulate that in any way, then I'm going to be happy with it.

Ultimately, we need to grow the women's game. That's the biggest issue; it always has been. Then you can talk about equal pay and everything else.