Marta 'more than just a role model and an icon' - Hayes - video Dailymotion

USA's Emma Hayes and Lindsey Horan hail Marta's impact on football ahead of their clash in the Olympics final

Transcript

00:00When I was a young coach assisting Vic Akers at Arsenal, we played the Women's Cup

00:05two-legged final against Umeå, the Swedish champions, and they had a young Marta.

00:11And I remember being on the touchline over both legs and thinking,

00:15oh my goodness, who is this extraordinary player?

00:19And to witness what she's done on the pitch,

00:23I think for all of us that love the Women's game,

00:27she's been more than just a role model and an icon, she's been the best player.

00:31You get to see a different kind of football when she's on the field,

00:34and the special qualities that she brings, I think,

00:37has just been an inspiration for so many young boys, girls all over the world.

00:42So what she's brought to this game, I mean, you can't really put into words.

00:49Every time I face her, I get so excited.

00:52I like playing against the best players in the world.

00:54That's exciting for me. It's another challenge for me.

00:57So I think we're pumped that she gets to see the field tomorrow.

01:02And just what an incredible career.

01:05And she gets to play in a gold medal match as well.