‘Wonderful memories’: Vivianne Miedema to leave Arsenal in summer

Arsenal have confirmed that Vivianne Miedema will leave at the end of the season when her contract expires. The forward joined from Bayern Munich in 2017 and has scored 125 goals and provided 50 assists in 172 appearances. Miedema, the Women’s Super League’s all-time leading scorer, has played 13 times this season after being out from December 2022 to October 2023 because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury. It is understood she may stay in England and join Manchester City for the 2024-25 season.

In a farewell video, the Netherlands international said: “After seven special years, it’s time for my Arsenal journey to come to an end. To have represented a club like this with so much history and tradition has been an absolute honour, so above all else, I’d like to say thank you for making this chapter of my life so memorable.

“In football, you never quite know how long you’ll be somewhere. You’ve got to enjoy each moment as it comes, but early on at Arsenal I knew that this was the place for me to grow and challenge myself, as a player and as a person too.”

She won one WSL title at Arsenal, in 2019, and was at the club for three League Cup triumphs, although she missed last season’s tournament and was not involved in the knockout games or final this season. “I’ve never cared much about personal accolades, but being able to help the team and scoring goals in an Arsenal shirt has always been something I’m very proud of,” she said.

“The last two seasons have been tough for me, with injury and missing two cup finals, but this is a team sport and we’ve all got our own roles to play. It’s been a pleasure to play with many talented players, ex-teammates and fellow Dutchies. Without all these amazing teammates and, of course, you, the fans my story would not have been as special as it was. Thank you for everything, Arsenal.”

Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, said: “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. We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future.”

Miedema had knee surgery in March and although the 27-year-old has played since, she has not been involved in the past two matches. Arsenal finish their WSL season at home to Brighton on Saturday.