Arsenal signs Matildas’ deputy captain Steph Catley in the FA Women’s Super League

Matilde’s deputy captain, Steph Catley, signed with the powerful English Arsenal engine, becoming the last Australian to travel to Europe.

Catley joins Matildas Caitlin Foord’s teammate to the Gunners, where he will play the role of Australian manager Joe Montemurro.

Catley’s Arsenal recruitment is another support for the Matildas program in preparation for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time,” Catley told the Arsenal website.

“I am so excited to have finally done it. This will be my first taste of European football and obviously there is so much to look forward to and many great opportunities to come. I can’t wait to start.”

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

Meanwhile, full-back colleague Ellie Carpenter has recently signed with the French dynamo Olympique Lyonnais.

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Catley, 26, has participated in two women’s world cups and the Olympic games with Matilde since she made her debut as an eighteen year old in 2012.

The attacking full-back scored three goals in 82 appearances.

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

He has also played in America NWSL for Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride and OL Reign.

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

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

“It adapts to our fluidity and is very good in a positional sense, but above all it is very effective for the future.

“We are excited to have you as part of the team and look forward to spending exciting moments together.”

AAP / ABC