Spain defender Laia Codina joins West Ham, cites manager Rita Guarino as key factor

Laia Codina won trophies and found a "new family" during her three-year spell at Arsenal — but she was ready for a change.

The 26-year-old made 58 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners and helped them win the Champions League and League Cup. However, a move to West Ham — a club investing this summer and building a new project under manager Rita Guarino — proved the perfect destination for the 2023 World Cup winner.

"It's always difficult to leave a club. Arsenal has changed my life because it was the first time that I really went away from my family," Codina told BBC Sport.

"That was always going to be special. They were my family. The main reason it was difficult is because of the people that I met there.

"Of course the fans were amazing with me. But I don't know, I just had the feeling it was the right moment. My decision was clear."

Guarino's Honesty and Plan

Spain defender Codina said the decision to join West Ham came down to "many reasons," but the influence of Italian boss Guarino — who joined in December — was the biggest.

"I remember having my first conversation with Rita. It was at the beginning of everything. I had my agent next to me and I was like 'wow'," said Codina.

"The feeling that I got in this meeting is what I want in my future; it is what I want for my next steps. This was probably the main reason.

"She was honest with me on everything — what she wants from me and what she wants from the team. She was very clear. We're quite similar with that.

"In this moment I need this — someone that is honest with me, someone that wants to see me improving, wants to see me better. I think Rita wants that for me."

West Ham have flirted with relegation from the Women's Super League in recent years, but Codina says they are starting to turn a corner. They finished 10th last season and showed signs of the direction they hope to go under Guarino.

There has been criticism of West Ham over their lack of spending previously, but this summer they have invested, signing:

• Codina
• Forward Ebony Salmon from Villa
• Young prospects Niamh Peacock and Sienna Wareing

"I've been in some clubs where I have won titles, but I also want to be a part of this improvement in a team and in this project. I'm ready for this next step," said Codina.

"I can see the project at West Ham — how it looks and what they showed me. There's something really nice going on and they want to improve; they want to grow.

"To feel a part of this as a player is a really nice feeling."

A New West Ham

So what is the project Codina sees at West Ham?

Guarino, who led Juventus to four successive Serie A titles, took over from Rehanne Skinner at West Ham midway through last season. She stated in January that "step by step" they would improve their style of play, but it was clear that organisation and a focus on defensive stability was the priority.

But that could change this season.

"Honestly, I think that we're going to see a West Ham that the fans will be proud of, and that's the main thing for me," said Codina.

"It will be a recognisable West Ham — a team that can play football, and that will try to have the ball as much as possible.

"With Rita, you could see their main characteristic was to defend, but I think that this season we're going to try to improve on the ball."

Codina says she already feels at home, having begun pre-season training this week, but it helps that she is still living in London. The centre-back moved to England in 2023 after nine years at Barcelona, where she progressed from the club's academy and into the first team.

Now she wants to give back to the community and is already giving up her time to help West Ham's foundation work with young children in east London.

"I'm enjoying the life here. I love to learn new cultures. London has something special. I'm trying to enjoy it as much as possible," said Codina.

"Football gives me this opportunity and I'm going to try to use it as good as possible.

"I tell [the children] that it's not only about winning."