Kerstin Casparij says her connection with City fans was instantaneous.

The Netherlands international has become something of a cult hero amongst supporters since moving to the Joie Stadium in 2022.

An infectious and positive personality, Casparij always gives time to fans young and old at matches and has gained a following online for witty captions on Instagram posts.

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Speaking on the latest episode of the Official Man City Podcast, Casparij recounted how her relationship with the club and Manchester itself has developed.

“We instantly connected,” she said to hosts George Kelsey and Liam Loftus.

“It grew over time because stuff like that needs to grow over time. It’s all reciprocated from me to the fans and from the fans to me.

“We’ve got a good connection, everyone is chill and up for banter and I’m the same so I’m always trying to make time for everyone. It’s my absolute pleasure.”

The right-back also recognises the importance of having that personal touch with fans when it comes to helping attract more people to the sport.

“The most important thing for me is that a lot of people look up to players, including me,” she said.

“I find that very weird because I’m just a regular 24-year-old just playing football but the big thing is I want people to be able to relate to me.

“That’s the biggest thing to be relatable and approachable. It’s fun to go into town and people come up to me and have a chat. I can’t say I’ve had any bad experiences.

“It’s just my personality, I’m not very shy. The way I am with the team and my family, I want to be that way with people on the street too.”

Casparij also delved deeper into her life away from the pitch, as well as discussing City’s growth on the pitch and that relentless desire to lift silverware.

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