The last time Arsenal reached the Women’s Champions League final, a 10-year-old Leah Williamson walked out as mascot alongside her heroes.

Fast forward 18 years and Williamson will take to the pitch for Saturday’s showpiece event against Barcelona as one of the Gunners’ key players.

Arsenal drew 0-0 at Meadow Park in 2007 to complete a 1-0 win against Swedish side Umea 1-0 in a two-leg final, for the first and only occasion an English club has lifted the trophy.

“I remember Borehamwood rocking,” Williamson told BBC Sport’s Jo Currie. “I just remember there being people everywhere. I was annoyed I walked out with the away team which wasn’t part of the plan.

“I remember watching with all my team-mates and in my head that was the most normal thing in the world – Arsenal were going to go and win, which I think is a beautiful thing to grow up with as a fan.

It was a good day. I remember it for the club and for everybody. I just remember everyone being very happy which is what trophies do.”

Williamson joined Arsenal at the age of eight and made her senior debut the day after her 17th birthday.

She has gone on to win seven major trophies, but to be crowned a European champion with her childhood club in a final 18 years in the making would complete her full-circle moment.

“It’s so nice for me to reflect on,” Williamson added. “I was never the kid that was like ‘I’m going to be a professional footballer’. I kept following my feet and doing what I love.

“This is somewhere that I love. I’m proud I’ve been here that long and it’s a nice moment for reflection. Life offers you those sometimes and I’m not one to waste time to not appreciate those moments.”