Watford Ladies' Spanish talent Andrea Carid has admitted that before she came to England she had never heard of the club, but insists now she is one of their biggest supporters.

In an eye-opening interview with the Watford website, the Spain international spoke of the adversity she and her partner Duna have faced and conquered since their arrival in Britain and of how grateful she is to have now found a life of happiness playing with her new favourite team and helping to provide specialist education to children with autism.

"I didn't know Watford before I came from Spain," she said. "I never follow men's football but now when someone says, 'What team do you support?' I say: 'I support Watford.' I am a fan of Watford to the point where I wear the Watford bath clothes. My partner always says, 'Why are you always looking at The Hornets Shop?' Because I like the things. I want the Watford carpet on the floor. I feel so proud when I wear these clothes. You never see me with another shirt that isn't Watford."

Things have not always been so positive for Carid, however. Before she discovered teaching, her and Duna had to work tirelessly day and night to pay their bills.

Balancing a 4.45am shift at McDonald's and training with the Hornets meant that sometimes three hours sleep had to be enough. Eventually it all took its toll.

"I cannot do this," Andrea told her partner one day. "I need to go back. I was so, so bad. I didn't sleep well. I was so stressed. I was anxious a lot. I broke my teeth through grinding. I missed my dog. I couldn't see my parents and Duna was working the night shifts at Pret a Manger as she was studying during the day as we needed more money. It was so hard. One day, I said, 'I need to change, even if we have less money, even if we just pay the bills and nothing else. I don't care. I can't sleep 20 hours a week. I'm sorry.'"

Eventually, the pair found their calling and pursued teaching roles, allowing them to work more regular hours doing something they love.

Carid now helps to provide education tailored specially to suit the needs of autistic children and could not be happier doing it.

"It's amazing," she said. "I wake up every morning happy to go to the school. I don't care if it's Monday or Friday or even the holidays. I am just so happy to go to the school. They give me the chance to teach them and I am in charge of PE lessons. Eight or 10 hours there is nothing. You need to be strong mentally as it's hard. You can't take it personally. I cannot express my gratitude to work for this school and these children. I am so, so happy."