Arsenal summer signing Rosa Kafaji makes surprise Ronaldinho revelation - prompting 'proper baller' praise from Jonas Eidevall

The Gunners signed Kafaji on a "long-term contract" from BK Hacken after seeing off competition from several European giants like Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. She wants to settle down quickly in her new surroundings and aspires to replicate the creativity and flair that Brazil legend Ronaldinho embodied throughout his career.

"Ronaldinho has been an inspiration since I was younger, and that’s how I am trying to play like,” Kafaji said. “I want to be creative, have fun on the pitch, try to score and create chances."

Before her move to Arsenal, Kafaji had already made a name for herself on the European stage. She played a pivotal role in helping Hacken reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, scoring crucial goals against top teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. This impressive run of form also earned her opportunities with Sweden’s senior national team, where she showcased her potential by delivering a stunning assist for Fridolina Rolfo in a draw against England earlier this year.

“They have some similarities when they play (Kajai & Ronaldinho),” Eidevall agreed with Kafaji. “She’s a proper baller. The things she can do with a ball are probably going to break the leg of other people trying. So she obviously gives us some really good qualities in our attacking play. She can open up in small spaces and she can put in balls with exact precision. I think we needed that."

In an interesting twist of fate, Kafaji will be returning to Gothenburg sooner than expected as Arsenal have been drawn against Hacken, her former club, in the second round of UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying. The first leg will take place in Sweden on Wednesday, followed by the return leg at Meadow Park the following Thursday.