Former Arsenal forward Beth Mead has admitted leaving the Gunners was one of the toughest decisions of her career, describing her departure from the club as feeling “like a break-up”.
The England international ended a decade-long association with Arsenal earlier this summer after joining Women’s Super League champions Manchester City.
Although Arsenal held discussions over a new contract, Mead ultimately accepted City’s offer after deciding it represented the right move at this stage of her career.
Looking back on her final weeks in north London, the 31-year-old admitted saying goodbye to the club she had called home since 2016 was an emotional experience.
“It’s been an emotional few months, knowing it was coming,” Mead told The Telegraph. “I understand fans may get annoyed and upset but it’s football, it’s business, it’s just how it is.”
Mead revealed it was the everyday moments that proved hardest as she prepared to leave Arsenal.
“Taking my stuff out of the locker for the last time, being on the pitch for the last training session… 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.”
The Lionesses star also admitted her first return to the Emirates Stadium in Manchester City colours will be especially difficult.
“It feels like a break-up,” Mead said. “I’m also very happy and excited about the other side of it, but it comes with a lot of emotions.”
She added that hearing North London Forever and walking towards the away dressing room instead of Arsenal’s would make the occasion even more poignant.
Mead enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Arsenal, winning multiple domestic honours before helping the club lift the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2025.
She also established herself as one of the greatest forwards in Arsenal Women’s history, becoming a fan favourite through her goals, creativity and relentless work ethic.
The forward explained that Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz played a major role in convincing her to make the move.
“I had a very good conversation with Andree about how he sees me in the team,” she said. “I play my best football when I’m free and I’m happy.”
Despite beginning a new chapter, Mead’s comments underline the affection she still holds for Arsenal.
Her emotional reflections are likely to resonate with Gunners supporters, many of whom watched her develop into one of the club’s modern greats over the past decade.
While Arsenal and Mead now prepare to meet as rivals, there is little doubt her eventual return to the Emirates Stadium will be one of the most emotional moments of the Women’s Super League season.