World Cup winner Maria Perez joins London City Lionesses

London City head coach Jocelyn Precheur said Perez would join the squad “soon”, adding “everyone here is ready to work with her to make sure that she is able to play again as quickly as possible.”

Precheur described Perez as a “complete player” who is “smart, technically gifted” and “perfectly adapted to our project”.

Perez, who won the league title and Champions League honours with Barcelona and spent last season on loan with Sevilla, said that she was attracted by London City owner Michele Kang’s “plan for the future of women’s sports”.

“There are big stadiums full with people watching women’s football and this was an important factor in my decision to come here,” she added.

London City Lionesses drew their opening game of the Championship season at home to Newcastle United and play their next match at Blackburn Rovers on Sunday (14:00 BST)