Catarina Macario: 'The best I've felt since joining Chelsea'

Catarina Macario speaks exclusively to the matchday programme for our huge Women's Super League fixture against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

The American forward has started 2025 in excellent form, having ended the previous year with a match-winning cameo against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and she feels only now are Chelsea fans seeing the best of her in a blue shirt.

'I definitely think so,' she said. 'I think the Christmas break was much needed, I was able to put in some more work and I’m just finding the stuff that works for me here at Chelsea. Strength programmes, conditioning, whatever it is.

'And, yeah, I’ve been able to build a better base now. I’m someone that’s a bit impatient, I always want to play, and it definitely took me longer than I realised, after having been out for nearly two years.

'I feel like now is the best I’ve felt since joining Chelsea and I hope it’ll keep getting better and better.'

She's also looking forward to renewing our rivalry with the Gunners, which is a fixture she's enjoyed in the WSL since she's been here as we've beaten them at Stamford Bridge and the Emirates.

'These are the games you live to play in,' she added.

'The one earlier this season was a big win for us, I believe our first at the Emirates, so that made it even more special. To be out there celebrating with our fans. Any time you win against Arsenal is a good day.'

Hopefully she'll be experiencing that feeling again when the final whistle blows!

You can also read the thoughts of Sonia Bompastor, Blues skipper Millie Bright and club director Barbara Charone ahead of the big game, while there’s also an in-depth profile of Erin Cuthbert after she recently celebrated reaching the 250-appearance milestone for the club.

Make sure you pick up your copy from the programme sellers around Stamford Bridge on matchday!