Sources: Miedema set for City after Arsenal exit
Vivianne Miedema will leave Arsenal when her contract expires summer, the club announced on Monday, with sources telling ESPN that WSL rivals Manchester City are her most likely destination.
Miedema has widely been regarded as one of the best players in the world but an ACL injury has marred her since last season and forced her to miss the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
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“On behalf of everyone at the club, we thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us,” Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said.
“Viv’s goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player have been of the highest quality, and she has created so many wonderful memories for us over the years. We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future.”
The 27-year-old joined the north London club in 2017 and went on to score 125 goals and provide 50 assists in her 172 appearances.
She is the all-time top-scorer in the WSL, winning the WSL Golden Boot in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
“Being part of this group of players over the years has always inspired me to be the best I can be,” Miedema said in a statement posted on social media later on Monday. “From scoring my first goal against Everton, to my 50th against Spurs, to scoring my 100th goal in the UWCL against Sparta Prague and of course my ACL comeback against Liverpool FC, they all felt special. And to represent Arsenal in the WSL, FA Cup, Continental Cup and eventually the Women’s Champions League has always been an honour.
“A journey like this is never straightforward. We’ve shared so many amazing moments over the years, but sadly enough tough times are part of football and life too. In these rough times we realise what we are made of, but also who we need around us. And that’s where this team has been extra special to me. Rupturing my ACL has been one of the toughest things I’ve had to go through in my career but having the support of my teammates has helped me stay motivated and to be able to share my comeback together was something I’ll always remember.”
