The Women’s World Player of the Year, who received her FIFA TheBest and World XI trophies at the end of September is yet to feature for City in the 2021/22 campaign, having undergone surgery for a knee injury over the summer, following the Tokyo Olympics.
In her second spell at City, the right-back – widely regarded as the best in the world – has always been admired for her pace, power and physical strength but admitted injury hampered her homecoming campaign.
Though sorely missed throughout this season, the England star asserts – as she continues her recovery from injury – that she is determined to return in even better shape.
“For me, I’m focused on getting back to playing at my best,” she declared.
“Last year, I struggled a lot with injury but I’m getting it fixed now and I’m hoping to be back better than I’ve ever been – stronger, fitter, faster.
“Fingers crossed, everything will go smoothly.”
Boasting a glittering trophy cabinet, adorned with a host of individual and collective honours, Bronze is certainly no stranger to success.
Re-joining City in the summer of 2020 as a three-time Champions League winner, she hopes to add plenty more medals to her collection in the coming seasons.
Although Gareth Taylor‘s side have endured a difficult start to the current campaign, suffering a disappointing European exit in the process, Bronze asserts there is still plenty to play for, including three domestic cups.
“We’ve had an unfortunate start to the season with so many injuries,” she conceded.
“There are a lot of big players missing but, hopefully, the squad can get through the next run of games, getting back to winning ways in the league, and we can get some players back. Then, we’ll have a good go at trying to win silverware.
“We finished so close in the league last year but we won the FA Cup and we’ll look to build on that.
“The FA Cup is always a big trophy and there are two of those this year. We are the current holders so it would be nice to retain that one.
“The League Cup will always have a special place in City hearts – for the Club and fans of both the men’s and women’s teams – so it would be good to get our hands on that again too.
“That’s what we want and it’s always been the way at City. Every year, we compete for trophies and most years, we’ve won something.”
Following Team GB’s second Olympic campaign, 2022 will see England host the Women’s Euros, as the Lionesses look to create history with international success on home soil.
One of many City representatives to be a regular starter for her country, Bronze has made no secret of her desire to add national team glory to her impressive CV, whilst helping to inspire and increase opportunities for the next generation.
The defender believes this season, with the Euros, the return of fans to stadiums and the enhanced media coverage of the FA Women’s Super League, could be the most important yet for the English women’s game.
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“It’s the perfect year now,” she stated. “Fans are back in stadiums, which is great, and the TV deals have put us in the spotlight more, which means more fans have access to the games.
“We have the Euros next summer on home soil and the build-up is really exciting.
“We have an excellent squad and excellent staff with a new coach who knows how to win.
“This year could be the biggest year in women’s football in England and I’m really hoping to be a big part of that.”
City return to domestic action with a mouth-watering Women’s FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea on Sunday 31 October.
It’s a 12:45pm kick-off at the Academy Stadium and tickets for all home games are now on sale
