Arsenal Criticized For 'Shocking' Decision To Let Miedema Leave
Arsenal's decision to let Vivianne Miedema leave the club has been met with strong criticism from former Gunners striker Ellen White. On Monday, Arsenal announced that Miedema, the all-time record scorer in the Women's Super League (WSL) with 79 goals, will depart when her contract expires at the end of the season.
Miedema has been a pivotal player for Arsenal since joining from Bayern Munich in 2017. She helped the team secure the WSL title in the 2018-19 season and won the competition's Golden Boot in consecutive seasons (2018-19 and 2019-20). In total, she has scored 125 goals and provided 50 assists in 172 appearances for the club.
The Dutch forward has faced significant injury challenges recently. She underwent knee surgery in March 2023 following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in December 2022, which sidelined her for ten months. As a result, she has only played 13 games in the 2023-24 season.
Reaction from Ellen White
Manchester City have been linked with a move for Miedema, and White believes Arsenal will regret their decision. "I think it's an absolutely shocking decision by the club," White told BBC Radio 5 Live's Women's Football Weekly. "I just think it's shocking that they haven't shown her the love to want to keep her at the club."
White expressed her hope that Miedema will join another WSL team and perform well against Arsenal. "If she does want to go to someone else in the WSL, I hope she goes to that team and sticks two fingers up at Arsenal and scores a few goals and celebrates hard. It's just outrageous. She is not going to be short of offers," White added.
Miedema herself has not commented extensively on her departure but did post a thank you message to Arsenal on social media.
Thank you, Arsenal pic.twitter.com/6N9NtN8xUT
— Vivianne Miedema (@VivianneMiedema) May 13, 2024
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