Updated 19:05
ARSENAL HAVE ANNOUNCED that long-serving goalkeeper Emma Byrne has left the club.
The Ireland international was out of contract with Arsenal at the end of the 2016 campaign and her 17-year stay with the FA Women’s Super League side has come to an end.
Byrne, who has 125 Ireland caps, joined Arsenal Ladies from St Patrick’s Athletics in 2000 and went on to become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history as the Gunners enjoyed a period of unprecedented dominance.
The 37-year-old helped Arsenal to a historic treble in her debut season before going on to win 11 league titles, ten FA Cups, five League Cups and a Uefa Women’s Cup during her time in North London.
Byrne’s performances were recognised in 2003 and 2005 when she was named the Players’ Player of the Year.
But the Kildare native lost her place to Dutch ‘keeper Sari van Veenendaal during the 2016 season and her departure, alongside England international Rachel Yankey, was confirmed this afternoon.
“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Emma for her commitment and contribution to the club, and to wish her the very best for her future,” an Arsenal statement read.
Later in the day, Byrne tweeted a cryptic message indicating that it may not have been an amicable departure.
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