Amalie Thestrup is looking forward to getting down to business at West Ham United.
The 27-year-old forward has joined the east Londoners on a loan deal from Dutch Vrouwen Eredivisie side PSV that will last until the end of the 2022/23 season.
It is a new adventure for Thestrup, who has previously played for Liverpool in the Barclays Championship in the 2020/21 season, and she’s now looking forward to trying her hand in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
“It feels amazing to sign here with West Ham United,” she told whufc.com. “I’m super excited to be here, to meet the girls and to get started.
“When the opportunity came around to sign for West Ham, it was a no brainer for me. It’s a very well-established club in, arguably, the best league in the world, and so being at this Club gives me the opportunity to play with and against some of the best players in the world. I’m so excited to be here!
“I feel very lucky to be here and have this opportunity. Any female footballer would aspire to play in this division because of its quality and competitiveness.”
Be in the crowd against Arsenal on Sunday to see Thestrup in action!
It can sometimes take time for new arrivals to get a feel for their surroundings and the culture within their new team, but Thestrup seems acutely aware of what is expected of her once she pulls on the famous Claret & Blue shirt.
Indeed, her new boss Paul Konchesky described his latest signing as ‘somebody who has a non-stop work ethic’ and a ‘never-say-die attitude’ – words which are sure to please the West Ham faithful that she will be playing in front of for the next five months.
“I’ve been following West Ham in the WSL and so far, what I’ve seen is that it is made up of a very hardworking team,” Thestrup explained. “The team has a kind of ‘blue collar’ mentality and is one that always gives one hundred percent on the pitch.
“I think those are all qualities that fit me very well as a player too, as I also pride myself on my hardworking spirit.
“I’m a hardworking forward, and I bring a lot of energy both in attacking and defensive positions. I like to get the ball in behind the line and use my speed to help the team create chances, provide assists, and ultimately to score goals too.”
“It’s really exciting because I’ve know West Ham United Women to be a very ambitious Club, who plays high quality football in a professional environment. It seems like the whole package for me.”
Thestrup has played all around the world, with the aforementioned spell with Liverpool coming alongside time in her home country with Brøndby IF, Vejle BK and Ballerup-Skovlunde Fodbold – as well as a stint with AS Roma in Serie A.
But it is the time that the forward spent on Merseyside that she believes will be most beneficial now that she is back in the UK.
“Having played in England before, I already kind of know the style of football that is played here as well as the whole culture around football here in the UK," she explained.
"I think that previous experience will help me to adjust to this new environment quite quickly. I’m looking forward to jumping straight into it and to hit the ground running.
“I think the experience that I’ve been able to gather over my career so far will help me now that I’m moving into a new division.
“Hopefully, going into the WSL I can use all of the experience that I’ve gained from different countries that I’ve played in, and the Champions league too, to contribute to the team and help us to win games.”
Whilst it’s still early days and Thestrup is getting used to working with a new set of teammates and support staff, she did share a word on the positive conversations that she has shared with Konchesky in the build up to her making the move to the Capital.
“I’ve met Paul and everything that I’ve heard about the Club from him, through my meetings with him has been amazing.
“My goal is always to get stuck in and help the team as much as possible to win games and contribute with the qualities that I have as a player. I’m super excited now to get into training and get to work alongside this group that we have here.”
With Arsenal to come this weekend in the Barclays WSL, the Denmark international is looking forward to testing herself against one of the best teams in the world.
She also can’t wait to meet the fans that she will be plying her trade in front of for the remainder of the campaign.
“It’s very exciting for me to start with a home game against one of the top teams in the league right from the beginning.
“I know that the Club always wants to really compete in the league, and we will strive to get the best results in any game, against any team, for the fans that come to support us,” she concluded.
Want to come and watch the Hammers against Arsenal at Dagenham on Sunday 5 February? Click on the graphic below to purchase your tickets!
