Hanna Wijk exclusive: “When I was 16 years old, I told people that I wanted to play in this league”

Hanna Wijk spoke of her excitement at the new chapter of her career as she made the switch from Sweden to north London earlier this month and how a dream has now become a reality.

“I got goosebumps when I put on the shirt,” Hanna Wijk revealed on her first day at Hotspur Way earlier this month as she embarked on a new adventure, joining us on a long-term deal from BK Häcken.

And it’s quite a big step for the young defender as, despite having plenty of senior experience at the age of just 22 with over 150 competitive games under her belt, this is the first time that she has moved out of her homeland of Sweden for her footballing exploits.

Spending nearly six years at Häcken, where she went from featuring in the Under-19s side to becoming one of the first names on their teamsheet in recent seasons, the Sweden international felt it was the perfect time at this stage in her career to change her scenery.

While she made her debut for the Club at the weekend, coming on as a second half substitute in our Women’s FA Cup win over Leicester City, Hanna spoke to us, prior to the game, about adapting to a completely new environment and one particular aspect that has opened her eyes in her first few weeks.

“I’ve really liked it so far,” speaking to us in the official matchday programme on Sunday. “Everyone has been so welcoming and it feels like a really good group. The training has been fun with Martin [Ho] and the rest of the staff, so I’m really enjoying it.

“I think it has to be how many people are involved behind the scenes,” Hanna replied, having been asked what has surprised her so far. “There are so many staff members – in the gym, with nutrition and out on the pitch - I don’t even know all the names yet! But it’s really good because there are so many people helping us become better players.

“At Häcken, there were also a lot of people helping you develop, but here it feels like you have everything you need in one place. There are two or three people in each area and everything is very organised. I have felt welcomed from everyone, plus it’s a really nice group and I enjoy going to training and playing with them.

“Obviously some stuff has been difficult at times. Everything is new – new people, a new country and new ways of doing things. It’s also the first time I’ve lived away from my family, as I’ve always lived close to them. So, there are a lot of phone calls in the evenings, but it’s getting easier and easier.”

Asked about what she wants to do in London once settled, she added: “I’d love to go to the theatre, but also to see the Harry Potter experience I’ve heard about. I also want to explore food markets and try restaurants around the city.”

Joining midway through a campaign can be a daunting experience, especially bonding with new team-mates in a busy period with non-stop games, but Hanna already has a few familiar faces to call upon.

From her time in Gothenburg in recent years, she has played alongside Josefine Rybrink and Anna Csiki while, on the international stage, the attack-minded full-back spent her first senior international camp with Matilda Vinberg.

However, Hanna wasn’t the only player from Hacken to have made the move to north London this winter – with young forward Matilda Nildén also penning a long-term deal with the Club.

Having built a close relationship over the last two seasons in the yellow and black with Matilda, Hanna also spoke about the importance of being together in north London and supporting each other in completely new surroundings.

“We came here together, which has been really helpful for both of us,” she added. “We feel more secure, and now we live together in the players’ house close to the training ground. We spend a lot of time together and having her here has made me much more comfortable.

“It’s a house, so we can be together but also have some space when we need it,” she jokingly added. “That separation can be important sometimes, which works really well.”

Born and raised in Sweden, Hanna’s footballing journey began in 2013 in Lerum, first developing her skills with Floda BoIF before joining Lerum IS in her youth career. She eventually earned a move to Kopparbergs/Goteborg – a side which a year later would rebrand to BK Hacken.

Six years later, she has racked up over 150 appearances for Häcken, including plenty of experience in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and has tasted success by lifting the Damallsvenskan (twice) and the Swedish Cup – and Hanna feels that experience has helped her become the player she is today.

“It was huge for me,” our new number 22 explained. “Häcken has given me so much, both as a person and as a footballer. I grew up there and it felt like a second home. That experience is a big reason why I’m able to move abroad and play here now. Häcken will always have a big place in my heart.

“I always played with girls in teams, although I played alongside boys at school sometimes. Joining Häcken early helped me a lot because I played with older players at an early stage and got experience in big matches, including the Champions League, and that gave me confidence.”

Producing 12 assists last term as Häcken secured their second top flight-title, Hanna described her style of play as ‘passionate’ and is excited to be part of the competitive Women’s Super League in England – a dream she has aspired to achieve from a young age.

“I try to bring a lot of energy - I always fight for my team and try to win every game. I’m very passionate and I want to show that I give everything I can whenever I’m on the pitch. I just want to train, get better, hopefully play games and contribute with what I can.

“Playing in England has always been a dream. I remember when I was 16 years old, I told people that I wanted to play in this league. It has grown so much in the last few years, so it’s always been something I wanted and I’m really excited to be here and at Spurs.”

Join us at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Our next home game in the Barclays Women's Super League sees us return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a London derby against Chelsea on Sunday 8 February, kick-off 2.25pm.

Tickets are available to buy - join us in N17 as we look to build on a strong showing in England's top flight so far.