Rafaelle’s Arsenal departure is officially confirmed | OneFootball

Arsenal have officially confirmed the news that Brazilian international defender Rafaelle Souza is leaving the club this summer.

The Gunners made the announcement via an update on their official club website this morning.

The 31-year-old joined Arsenal in early 2022 and she quickly established herself as an important member of the back-line. The player has gone on to make 35 appearances for The Gunners in all competitions while she has scored four goals. Rafaelle has helped Arsenal to the semi-finals of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League while she was a FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup winner with the club back in March.

Speaking to the media about Rafaelle’s contribution yesterday, Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall said “She has had such a high level, she has been so consistent. I am so pleased that we have had a player like her, but I’m also pleased for her that she could show on a more global scale, what a good player she is.

“I think she was one of those names who didn’t have the recognition she deserved for her quality. We have been very, very happy with her, she has been very happy playing with us here as well.

“For reasons that are beyond our control, she will leave. She is sad, we are sad, but I really cherish the memories we have with her and thank her for her contributions that she made to the club.”

Rafaelle will make her final Arsenal appearance against Aston Villa at the LV Bet Stadium this afternoon.