Arsenal confirm record-breaking striker to leave in summer | OneFootball

Arsenal Football Club bids farewell to one of their most iconic players, Vivianne Miedema.

After seven illustrious years, the Dutch striker and WSL’s all-time leading scorer will embark on a new chapter, leaving behind a trail of records and unforgettable moments.

Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema celebrates scoring her side’s first goal of the game during the FA Women’s Super League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Sunday, September 5, 2021. Copyright: Mike Egerton

Arsenal legend Vivianne Miedema to depart after seven years

Arsenal has announced the departure of Vivianne Miedema at the end of the current season. The Dutch forward, who joined the Gunners from Bayern Munich in 2017, will leave as a club legend and the Women’s Super League’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 125 goals and provided 50 assists in 172 appearances.

Miedema’s tenure at Arsenal has been marked by numerous successes, including a WSL title in 2019 and three League Cup triumphs. However, this season has been hampered by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, limiting her to 13 appearances.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal is challenged by Julie Thibaud of Leicester City during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on April 21, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Sporting Director, Edu, expressed his gratitude for Miedema’s immense contribution to the club’s success, stating, “We thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us. 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.”

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

BOREHAMWOOD, ENGLAND – MAY 11: Sari Van Veenendaal, Danielle Van de Donk, Dominique Bloodworth and Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal celebrate with the trophy after the WSL match between Arsenal Women and Manchester City at Meadow Park on May 11, 2019 in Borehamwood, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley echoed Edu’s sentiments, highlighting Miedema’s special place in the hearts of Arsenal supporters and wishing her the best for the future.

Despite her limited appearances this season, Miedema’s legacy at Arsenal is secure. She leaves as a two-time WSL Golden Boot winner and the league’s all-time leading scorer, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players in the WSL’s history.

As Miedema prepares to embark on a new chapter in her career, Arsenal fans will undoubtedly cherish the memories of her remarkable achievements and contributions to the club’s success, after they get over the sadness of the news the club didn’t even offer her a new contract.

Miedema makes a statement

Viv took to social media to say, “So Long, Arsenal.

I won’t be able to sum up seven years of my professional career and personal life in North London in just this letter, but let’s try.

When I first joined as a 21-year-old, I got excited by the club’s ambitions. I wanted to be part of the journey and help bring the club back to Champions League football and winning titles. To win a Continental Cup the first year I was here, felt pretty special.

After having a taste of winning silverware in a difficult season for me personally, on and off the pitch, I couldn’t wait to start the 2018/2019 campaign. We started the season with a convincing win against Liverpool FC and we never looked back. Our free-flowing football got rewarded with winning the Women’s Super League and I felt like everything I touched ended up in the back of the net. Being voted the best Player of the League by my fellow footballers was something truly special.

Being part of this group of players over the years has always inspired me to be the best I can be. 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 goal against Liverpool FC, they all felt special. And to represent The 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 tough 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.

To the fans,

Thank you for making this club so special. It’s been amazing to follow your journey too. To go from a half-full stadium at Borehamwood FC, to selling out the Emirates is something we all dreamed of. No matter if we played at home, away or someplace in Europe, we always heard you and it has helped us immensely over the last couple of seasons. I will never forget the celebrations with you after scoring goals, my reception back onto the field at the Emirates and the fan walks around the stadium.

I’ve loved being part of a community that makes us feel safe and I hope that every single one of you shares that feeling and will continue to be part of the story.

To my teammates over the years,

Thank you for making a place away from home, feel like home. For always allowing me to be myself but also helping me grow into a better person. For being there for me in difficult times, but also to celebrate good times together. The togetherness in this team is something special and I’m pretty sure this will continue to be the case in the future.

Some of these teammates, have turned into lifelong friends and some even into family, which I will be forever grateful for.

For now it’s time to move on. My time at Arsenal will be forever with me and I’m grateful for all the special memories.