Former Arsenal defender Rafaelle Souza completes move to Orlando Pride | OneFootball

Former Arsenal defender Rafaelle Souza has joined American National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Orlando Pride on a two-year deal.

The Pride announced news of the transfer via a post on their official club website this afternoon.

Rafaelle has joined her new club on a free transfer after leaving former side Arsenal upon the expiry of her contract earlier this summer. The Brazilian international defender spent 18 months with The Gunners in which she made 36 appearances for the club in all competitions. Rafaelle was a FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup winner with Arsenal last season.

The player has been well-travelled throughout her career and she is now returning to the United States for the first time since 2014 with Orlando Pride.

After signing on with The Pride, Rafaelle said “Anyone dreams of living in a city like Orlando and playing in a league as strong as the NWSL.

“With my experience of having played in other leagues and other countries, for everything I’ve experienced in soccer, I think I can add a lot to the team.

“I dedicate myself a lot and I think fans will see that, my dedication every day and in every game. I really hope and want to help the team a lot, be with the girls and join the group and adapt as soon as possible.

“My main goal now is to help the team qualify for the play-offs. Orlando deserves it for all the investment it has made and for all of their support for women’s soccer.”

Rafaelle becomes the fourth Brazilian player on the Orlando Pride roster.