Arsenal sign Matilda’s Vice Captain Steph Catley in the FA Women’s Super League

Matilda’s Vice-Captain Steph Catley signed for the Arsenal powerhouse, making him the youngest Australian to travel to Europe.

Catley joins Matilda’s teammate Caitlin Foord at the Gunners, where she will play under Australian manager Joe Montemurro.

Arsenal’s recruitment of Catley is further confirmation of the Matildas program ahead of the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“I’ve been looking forward to that for a long time,” Catley told Arsenal.

“I am so excited that it is finally here. This will be my first taste of European football, and of course there is so much to look forward to and so many great occasions. I can’t wait to get started . “

Several Australians, including major Matildas Sam Kerr (Chelsea), Hayley Raso (Everton) and Chloe Logarzo (Bristol City), are now playing in the FA Women’s Super League (FAWSL).

In the meantime, Ellie Carpenter, a full-back, recently signed with the French Dynamos Olympique Lyonnais.

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The 26-year-old Catley has been at the Women’s World Championships and Olympic Games with the Matildas since her debut as an 18-year-old in 2012.

The attacking full-back has scored three goals in 82 caps.

At club level, Catley has won five W-League championships – one at Melbourne Victory and four at Melbourne City.

She also played in America’s NWSL for Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride and OL Reign.

Catley previously played under Montemurro, who won the FAWSL with Arsenal in the 2018/19 season, at both Victory and City.

“We have the privilege of having Steph at the club,” said Montemurro.

“It fits our fluidity and is very good in terms of position, but more importantly, it will be very effective in the future.

“We are happy to have her as part of the squad and look forward to some exciting times together.”

AAP / ABC