Emma Hayes‘ love for the American soccer scene is a household story for the USWNT fans. She started her coaching stint with the USL side Long Island Riders and she is eternally thankful to America for opening this avenue before her. She has earlier said that she values her Olympic gold above her laurels in Chelsea. Hayes also did not hesitate to say she enjoyed much more in one month in the USWNT camp compared to her final moments in Chelsea. Now, the London native has iterated her sense of belonging on US soil once again.

During a recent conversation, Emma Hayes thankfully remembered getting her first coaching job during her 20s in the United States. Returning to the US after 14 years, the 47-year-old has realized that the American women’s soccer scene has become all the more attractive a haven. “I am happiest when I am in America. For whatever reason, it puts a smile on my face. I feel really free there, I don’t know, accepted,” said Hayes during her recent appearance on The Sports Agents podcast.

The British coach went on and said she was able to put a lot of personal grief behind her after chasing success and making memories with the gold medal-winning USWNT. Speaking of grief, it took a severe toll on Hayes during her Chelsea stint. She had to cope with the loss of a baby boy and her father, while simultaneously winning titles with Chelsea. In her last season, she also garnered infamy for her back-and-forth with fellow coaches and also for her comments on players dating their teammates.

However, as Hayes repeatedly says, all that is now a story of the past. Since she is fully in love with America, the former Chelsea boss now has other big plans to enjoy life on the other side of the Atlantic.

Emma Hayes can’t wait to watch an NFL game with her American peers

Yes. Emma Hayes is already famous for prioritizing fun over anything. Her motto is to enjoy life at its peak and celebrate the success that naturally follows. Since the Olympic triumph has opened up better access for Hayes across the US, she’s eager to make the best use of it. “Now I’ve got access to everybody across that landscape, I can’t wait to go to an NFL game or to the Formula 1 in Las Vegas,” said the 47-year-old.

“I’m gonna have a tremendous experience and still growing and learning,” the USWNT coach added. Besides enjoying the friendly atmosphere in the US, the 47-year-old has promised to lead the USWNT for the time being and dismissed interest in coaching a men’s team. She feels that coaching a side like the USWNT is the pinnacle of soccer. So to sum up, on and off the field, Hayes is having the time of her life on the other side of the Atlantic.