In north London, Arsenal’s Spanish connection has gained another thread this season as Ona Batlle joins former Barcelona teammate Mariona Caldentey in the dressing room. Their reunion followed conversations in which Caldentey offered an honest picture of life at the English club while leaving the final call to the full-back.
Caldentey left Barcelona for Arsenal two summers ago, and Batlle completed her move to the London side in July. Speaking together on Friday, the two Spain internationals described how the transfer came together and reflected on Caldentey’s place among the Ballon d’Or nominees.
A personal decision, with a familiar voice
Caldentey said she and Batlle exchanged messages before the defender made her decision. She was careful not to push her former Barça colleague, viewing a transfer as something each player must ultimately settle for herself.
“We did have some conversations, to be honest,” Caldentey said. “But I have always felt it is such an important and personal decision. I told her about my experience here and gave her my view, although deep down I hoped she would say yes.”
For Batlle, the move has brought her back alongside a player she knows closely from Barcelona and the Spanish national team set-up, while adding another established international figure to Arsenal’s squad.
Ballon d’Or recognition
Batlle also praised Caldentey after her inclusion on the Ballon d’Or shortlist, saying the recognition reflected both her quality and the work behind it.
“I am very happy for her because she deserves it,” Batlle said. “When someone earns something, it makes me happy. I know what she is like and how hard she works.”
Caldentey described her nomination as a source of pride, stressing that such moments cannot be taken for granted.
“Being on that list is something to be proud of,” she said. “You value it greatly because it could be the last time.”
Although she came close to the award last year, Caldentey said she is not allowing herself to focus on the possibility of winning it. “It is true that I was close last year, but I do not think about it,” she said.
