ARSENAL forward Vivianne Miedema is to leave the club when her contract expires at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old Netherlands international has scored 125 goals and provided 50 assists in 172 appearances for the Gunners since joining from Bayern Munich in 2017.
She is the WSL’s record scorer with 79 goals and was the division’s Golden Boot winner for 2018-19 and 2019-20.
The first of those campaigns saw her help the team claim the league title under Joe Montemurro, to add to a League Cup triumph from the previous season.
Having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in December 2022, she returned to action last October and has featured 13 times in all competitions for Jonas Eidevall’s team this season, including only three WSL starts, scoring once.
Miedema said in a message posted on social media: “So long, Arsenal. To represent the Arsenal in the WSL, FA Cup, Continental Cup [League 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 team-mates has helped me stay motivated and to be able to share my comeback together was something I’ll always remember.”
Miedema went on to thank her “team-mates over the years” and the fans before adding: “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.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu said in a statement: “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.
“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.”
Director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “Since joining us in 2017, Viv has taken on a special place in the hearts of our supporters, who I’m sure will have many fond memories of her time at Arsenal. Viv leaves with our best wishes for the future after seven memorable years here.”
Miedema scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Manchester City when Arsenal won the League Cup in the 2017-18 campaign, but was sidelined for both finals when they won the trophy last season and again this term.
