Can’t Stop the Shine

Birmingham City’s club-record deadline-day signing Ivana Fuso discusses her move from Manchester United, becoming the only current Brazil international playing in the Barclays Women’s Championship. The 22-year-old forward, who grew up in Germany speaking five languages, explains her spontaneous decision to adopt chihuahua puppy Lua, adjusting to new Birmingham teammates including Lucy Quinn and Martha Harris, and the frustration of limited game-time at Manchester United that prompted her switch. She reflects candidly on a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen taken partly to be closer to family following her mother’s death, her complicated eligibility choice between Brazil, Germany and Italy, and the thrill of training alongside Brazilian icon Marta. Fuso also discusses working under head coach Darren Carter and technical director Hope Powell as Birmingham target a WSL return.