Would-be Matildas bolter Annalise Rasmussen hopes her mid-season switch to Italian giants Juventus doesn’t limit her chances of a call-up to Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup squad.
After a breakout season in which she scored 11 goals in 14 games for the Central Coast Mariners, the uncapped striker will leave Australia this week to link up with Juve.
The form of the 20-year-old, who is tied in the golden boot race with Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara, has led to Rasmussen being spoken of as a possible selection wildcard for Matildas coach Joe Montemurro.
The Australia coach spent three seasons at Juventus and is due to name his squad for the tournament on February 19.
“I haven't spoken to him about it, but I think just from him having been there, it says a lot about the club,” Rasmussen told AAP.
“It’s super exciting (to be in discussions). When I was in the A-League and people were talking about it, I tried to put it in the back of my mind and perform.
“I think being at a big club (Juventus) says a lot about how I’ve been performing in the A-League, and hopefully they (the Matildas staff) have seen what I’ve done.”
Rasmussen was sold to Juventus for a club-record fee, the Mariners say.
The move took the striker by surprise when she was told of Juve’s interest midway through last week.
But she showed no signs of distraction as she netted a brace in the Mariners’ 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar.
That proved to be her last game for Central Coast, with Rasmussen forced to put her study for a degree in sports science on hold and resign from her day job.
“They reached out last Wednesday and on Friday morning I’d signed my contract,” Rasmussen said.
“I remember my agent told me, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, there's no way’.
“I was telling my parents about it and they were really shocked, and even now that it's happened I still can't believe it.
“I just want to go there and learn from the environment and take in as much as I can.”
