Spanish international defender Jana Fernández has spoken candidly about the emotional turmoil of leaving Barcelona, describing it as "a difficult time" that wasn't her choice, while embracing her new chapter with London City Lionesses in the Women's Super League.
The Painful Departure From Barcelona
The 23-year-old defender revealed that her summer transfer from Barcelona wasn't a decision she wanted to make, but was forced by circumstances beyond her control. Fernández, who joined Barcelona's famed La Masia academy at just 12 years old, had expected to remain at the club longer before financial constraints triggered an exodus of players.
"I'm the person and player I am today because of Barcelona," Fernández stated emotionally. "It's hard to talk about because fans got a bit upset with me. I feel sorry about it, but it wasn't what I wanted."
The Spain international clarified that the departure of six high-profile players from Barcelona's women's squad resulted from La Liga's salary limit enforcement, which created financial pressures throughout the entire club structure. "People have to know it wasn't players' decisions; it was something else," she emphasized.
Embracing London Life and New Challenges
Despite the painful separation from her childhood club, Fernández has approached her new environment with characteristic enthusiasm and curiosity. "The excitement is always bigger than the fear," she explained, describing her mindset when moving to the UK.
Fernández has played in every WSL game for London City Lionesses this season, enjoying regular first-team football after often playing second fiddle to Ona Batlle at Barcelona and with the Spanish national team. The defender radiates energy when discussing her new city, expressing particular affection for walking around Hyde Park and embracing London's cultural offerings.
She hasn't had to face the transition alone. A growing community of Spanish players in London, including former Barcelona teammates Kiera Walsh, Lucy Bronze, Laia Codina, and Mariona Caldentey, has provided crucial support. "We have a group chat, we go out for dinners, it's really nice," Fernández shared. "Having a group of girls you knew there and having them here makes it feel more like home."
Building Something Special at London City
The scale of change at London City Lionesses has been dramatic, with Fernández arriving as one of 17 new signings following the club's promotion from the Championship. This influx came amid significant investment from owner Michele Kang, who Fernández describes as "so passionate about women's football and making it grow."
"Seventeen new players is crazy to think about for any other club," Fernández acknowledged. "Everybody comes from a different place, different cultures and languages. That's hard as a new team."
Yet the team has started impressively, winning five of their first nine WSL games, including statement victories over Tottenham and Aston Villa. Fernández believes the diverse backgrounds of players like Saki Kumagai, Daniëlle van de Donk, and Nikita Parris create a special environment where "everyone can make each other better."
Looking ahead, the ambitious defender doesn't shy away from high expectations. "If I'm dreaming, and I'm ambitious, we want to be in the Champions League spots," she declared. "We're going to go for everything."
Despite her professional ambitions, Fernández maintains the joyful perspective that first drew her to football, recently establishing a coaching campus company to recreate the summer camps she loved as a child. For this talented defender, football remains, at its heart, about the joy of discovery and connection.
