Arsenal and England defender Leah Williamson has signed a brand new cope with the Gunners.
Williamson initially joined the membership 19 years in the past, and has gone on to make 232 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 15 objectives.
She is Arsenal’s vice-captain alongside Kim Little, and has gained the WSL title, 4 Conti Cups and two FA Cups with the Gunners.
“Everyone knows what Arsenal means to me, but I think every time I sign a new contract, I feel that love ignite all over again,” she advised the membership’s official web site.
“I’m very happy to be staying – this is a place where I can still continue to grow, develop and be challenged. As a group, we’re all very focused on bringing more silverware to this club and I can’t wait to get started again when the new season comes around.”
Williamson returned from an ACL harm in February, having missed a big a part of the 2023/24 marketing campaign. The harm noticed the England captain miss out on the 2023 Ladies’s World Cup because the Lionesses completed as runners up.
She beforehand led her nation to victory at Euro 2022, following up with the inaugural Ladies’s Finalissima just a few months later.
Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall added: “Leah is an essential part of our team so we’re delighted she has signed a new contract with us. She brings us so much on and off the pitch – leadership, accountability and commitment.
“Leah has a special bond with Arsenal and I’m looking forward to continuing to work together to bring more success to this great club.”
Director of girls’s soccer Clare Wheatley mentioned: “Leah’s connection with Arsenal runs so deep – I can remember her as a girl in our academy many years ago, and I’m so proud of the determined, passionate woman she has become.
“We’re thrilled that Leah has signed a brand new deal right here and I do know our supporters will be part of me in congratulating her at this time.”
Analysis: Williamson backed by Arsenal after difficult period
Sky Sports activities’ Charlotte Marsh:
“Leah Williamson is Ms Arsenal. It’s hard to imagine her ever playing for another club, and for the foreseeable future at least, she remains with her beloved Gunners.
“It is backing from the membership after a tough interval for the defender after her ACL harm suffered in April 2023.
“It was a huge blow for Arsenal and England. Both teams had to adapt without their first-choice centre-back, while the Lionesses played at the World Cup without their captain.
“There have been setbacks since her return too – having to drag out of the February England camp resulting from harm – however there was success within the Conti Cup with Arsenal, during which Williamson began alongside Lotte Wubben-Moy.
“Her fellow England defender has shone in Arsenal’s back line, stepping up in Williamson’s absence. It’s an exciting prospect to see them play alongside each other on a regular basis next season.
“And that’s the place the eye now lies – looking forward to subsequent 12 months after an up and down 2023/24 marketing campaign.
“Williamson follows Stina Blackstenius in penning a new deal, with Arsenal looking to commit their key players to new deals early in the summer.
“Questions will stay over any incomings to spice up the squad although, particularly with the departure of Vivianne Miedema. Arsenal completed 5 factors behind Chelsea and Man Metropolis, and can want one thing to maintain from falling too far behind.
“Who or what that may be remains to be seen, and the transfer window is a long one. But for now, Arsenal are making sure to keep hold of their current crop.”