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Women's player profiles – in their own words

The UEFA Women's Champions League proper begins this week and many of the players have written their own UEFA.com profiles with insight into their careers and inspirations.

Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp is on her travels this week; our profiles give you an exclusive insight
Wolfsburg's Alexandra Popp is on her travels this week; our profiles give you an exclusive insight ©Getty Images

The biggest names in the female game from across Europe and beyond will be involved when the UEFA Women's Champions League knockouts begin with the round of 32 this week – and who better to introduce them than themselves.

Players from established clubs like Arsenal LFC, Brondby IF and 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam, as well as newcomers including VfL Wolfsburg, FC Barcelona and Stjarnan, have written their own profiles. Among those giving insight are prolific German strikers Anja Mittag and Inka Grings, Arsenal LFC goalkeeper Emma Byrne – the all-time competition appearance record-holder – Mexico striker Veronica Perez and New Zealand defender Rebecca Smith. They will discuss everything from memories of their first clubs to toughtest opponents and tips for success 

Which player has got "several black eyes" from Abby Wambach? Who took up football "accidentally"? Whose first football memories are "horrible bathrooms"? Our profiles answer these questions and more: to find out visit our club pages or the key players area of our women's football section.

Follow the latest from the UEFA Women's Champions League with previews, interviews, live updates, reports, reaction, stats and analysis in video and text.