“This is the best club for me” – Ruby’s Foxes return

The England U23 international has signed a two-year contract and is a major coup for the football club after spending the majority of her career in the Barclays Women’s Super League with Manchester City and in Arsenal’s academy.

The family environment and atmosphere as well as a new opportunity to show her talent at the highest level were key reasons why the 20-year-old was convinced that Leicester City was the best move for her at this time.

“It’s a bit surreal at the moment, I’m a bit overwhelmed, but I’m so happy to be back,” Mace revealed at the team’s training complex in Belvoir Drive. “When I came here, it felt like family as soon as I walked through the door.”

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She is back as a permanent fox.

“Everyone was so welcoming and I was able to express myself on the pitch and show what I can do. I think this is the best club for me to do that, so I’m happy to be here.”

Her impressive performances during her 11 appearances for City two seasons ago certainly caught the attention of Foxes fans and helped secure the club’s WSL status, and now, 12 months later, there is still plenty to be expected from the London-born midfielder.

The young player recalled: “When I came here we were in a relegation battle and I’m so happy to have witnessed that moment and seen them succeed since then. I just want to continue this journey and it feels so good to finally be a part of it now.”

“It’s been a long time coming but I can’t wait to get started. I’m ready to go now and I’m ready to keep going. Hopefully I can put on a good show because for me it’s very important to get playing time at this stage of my career.

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The midfielder can look back on plenty of WSL experience.

“Leicester has given me the platform to do that, so I hope I can prove myself again and do my best for the team this year too. I just want to do my best, give it my all and help take the team as far as possible.”

A central midfielder by trade but also having been deployed in more defensive roles, Mace outlined the qualities she hopes to bring to the team when reunited with her former teammates from her loan spell at the club just over a year ago.

“I like playing in defensive midfield,” Mace explained. “I think I’m a very calm player and I have a lot to offer. I’m also a very hard-working player and I always give 110 percent. Now I just have to work really hard and prove it.”