Syndicated reporting provided by Stats Perform and reviewed by the SoccerNews editorial team.
Beth Mead has likened her departure from Arsenal to “a breakup”, but the England winger is excited by the prospect of playing under Andree Jeglertz at Manchester City.
Mead left the Emirates Stadium as a free agent in May, having made 167 Women’s Super League appearances for the Gunners throughout her nine-year stay.
The following month, Mead penned a three-year deal with City, where she will play alongside her partner Vivianne Miedema.
Miedema made the same move from Arsenal to the blue side of Manchester two years ago, and Mead now understands the emotional struggle the Netherlands forward went through.
“It’s been an emotional few months, knowing it was coming,” Mead said in an interview with The Telegraph. “I understand fans may get annoyed and upset, but it’s football, it’s business, it’s just how it is.
“Being able to say goodbye and have a great send-off was amazing. When I step into pre-season at City, I think that’s probably when it’ll hit me that I’m not going to go back to the place that I’ve known as home for the last 10 years.
“There are still things that are probably going to hit me. The first time playing at the Emirates and turning right at the end of the tunnel instead of turning left into the Arsenal changing room, hearing North London Forever playing…
“I remember the first time Viv had to play there and, seeing how emotional she was, I probably underestimated how hard that was. Now I’m going to have to do it myself.
“It’s those first times after something… It feels like a breakup! I’m also very happy and excited about the other side of it, but it comes with a lot of emotions.”
— Manchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) July 20, 2026
Mead recorded 104 WSL goal involvements for Arsenal, the second-most in the club’s history behind Miedema (115).
The two-time Euros winner also holds the record for the most WSL assists, having teed up 54 goals during her time with Arsenal and previous club Sunderland.
She now joins a City team that ended Chelsea’s six-year stranglehold on the WSL crown last season, and the prospect of playing under title-winning boss Jeglertz made her decision an easy one.
“I had options, but City are a team that always stood out to me,” Mead said. “I had a very good conversation with Andree about how he sees me in the team.
“I play my best football when I’m free, and I’m happy, and I have the ability to try and pick apart games.
“I think that’s one of the things, now I’m getting a bit older, that has become a super strength. You have to adapt your game to what it looks like now.”
General Soccer News
Sombath ‘excited’ to join Tottenham from Lyon
General Soccer News
Ex-Villa striker Duran joins Benfica on loan
General Soccer News
Blundell joins Everton on permanent deal after positive loan spell
General Soccer News
Liverpool and Newcastle lead tributes to Kevin Keegan
General Soccer News
Chelsea sign Malard on four-year deal from Man Utd
General Soccer News
Carrick encouraged by Santos and Mount displays after Man Utd beaten by Wrexham
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
