Women's football: Nikita Parris says Manchester City are targeting silverware

Nikita Parris believes Manchester City Women have signalled their intent to challenge for major honours this year with a clutch of big signings during the off-season.

Parris joined City on a season-long loan from Everton earlier this month following the club’s acquisition of England duo Lucy Bronze and Demi Stokes, Scotland’s Jennifer Beattie and Wales’ Sarah Wiltshire.

And the prolific striker, who scored 11 goals in 19 league appearances last year, is looking forward to competing with some familiar faces to earn her place in City’s starting line-up.

“The players that have been brought in have made a real statement to the rest of the league that Manchester City are here, they mean business and are going for silverware this season,” Parris told Sky Sports.

“I know Jill (Scott) and Toni (Duggan) and I’ve played with Natasha (Flint) with the U19s. I also knew Izzy (Christiansen) from Everton’s Centre of Excellence, so knowing a few people has made the transition a lot easier compared to if I didn’t know anybody.

“But having competition for places is brilliant I think, rather than knowing you are going to be in the team straightaway. I think it makes you work harder.”

City Women are in the middle of a week-long pre-season training camp in Abu Dhabi and were joined in the Gulf state on Monday morning by Manuel Pellegrini’s men’s squad.

“You’d never think this would be happening at a women’s team, coming out to Abu Dhabi,” Parris added.

“Man City is a big club and are spreading the word about women’s football and putting us on a stage where everyone can see us. Hopefully all the other clubs can follow suit.”

City announced a partnership with Aabar Investments on Monday which will see the Abu Dhabi-based firm sponsor the sole community use pitch at the newly-opened City Academy.

As part of the agreement, City have also been supporting the UAE Women’s team through coaching clinics and knowledge sharing exercises.

“I took part in a training session with the UAE Women’s team and it was good fun getting to know the girls and seeing how they are improving,” Parris said.

“Obviously it is a brand new sport in UAE and in 10 years’ time they will be a FIFA ranked squad. Hopefully they can keep progressing and we can give them some tips.”

His Excellency Khadem Al Qubaisi, chairman of Aabar Investments added: “Aabar Investments is delighted to extend its support of Manchester City to include Manchester City Women’s Football Club, in line with our commitment to empowering female athletes here in the UAE and globally.

“We are especially proud to be able to use our relationship with MCWFC for the benefit of the UAE Women’s National Team.”