Sarah Wiltshire has admitted she “couldn’t turn them down” after joining the professional ranks at Women’s Super League side Manchester City Women.

The former Watford Ladies player, who left the Golden Girls to join fellow Women’s Super League 2 side Yeovil Town Ladies, has put pen to paper on a year-deal at the club, who already boast England internationals Karen Bardsley, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott and Toni Duggan in their squad.

“I am really happy to be here,” the Welsh international told City’s website. “I really enjoyed my time with Yeovil but it’s always been my dream to play at the highest level and to play for such a great club.

“It was a big shock when I found out City were interested in me. I didn’t know what I was going to do next season anyway and then they came in and I couldn’t turn them down.

“There’s no better place to come and play football every day. The facilities here are amazing. It’s overwhelming.”

Watford Ladies boss John Salomon has revealed discussions had taken place with Wiltshire about possibly returning to the club, but is hoping her move to the top tier of the women's game in this country will serve as an inspiration to others.

He told the Watford Observer: "We had held talks with Sarah about her returning to Watford this season, but when Manchester City came in for her there was no question that was the right move for her.

"Sarah had been with us for several years before leaving midway through last season and we’re delighted for her that she has been rewarded for her hard work and development with the opportunity to turn pro and train full-time with some of the best players in the country.

"We hope that this inspires players to see that if they work hard and pursue their dream, that they can now turn pro and earn a living in women’s football."

A versatile attack-minded player, Wiltshire scored 11 goals in 16 appearances for the Glovers last season, and City boss Nick Cushing told the club's website: “Sarah is a player I don’t think anyone expected us to sign. She’s come from the FA WSL 2 and first come to our attention when we went to watch the Wales versus England game in Cardiff.

“What we saw was somebody that – although England won that game comfortably – was playing for Wales and showed a real effort and enthusiasm. That’s everything we want in our players.”

Cushing added: “She scored a lot of goals last year for Yeovil so we’re really excited about her. To get her playing in the FA WSL 1 shows she’s been rewarded for her effort and quality.”