‘She’s an amazing character’ – Slegers on departing Arsenal forward Mead | OneFootball

Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers has paid tribute to departing forward Beth Mead, highlighting her special personality both on and off the pitch.

The 31-year-old will leave the Emirates Stadium when her contract expires at the end of next month. Mead has enj0yed a hugely successful nine-and-a-half-year spell with the North Londoners.

When speaking to the media in an Arsenal press conference, head coach Slegers paid tribute to Mead.

“I’ve been lucky to be part of it [with Mead] the last couple of years,” Slegers said. “She’s an amazing character, she’s something special on and off the pitch, there are so many sides to Beth. There’s a lot of joy and happiness for the game. She always brings energy to a team, she brings light to the room when it’s needed, she brings honesty when it’s needed. There’s a lot of intelligence on the pitch, you can see that in the stats, the amazing stats throughout her time at Arsenal.

“For me, it’s been a privilege to work with Beth. Every day of it was joyful, even though there are always hard times when you’re in a team, when you’re working with people. I have so much respect for Beth and what she’s done for the club.”

Mead has experienced everything in her time with Arsenal; from team successes to long-term injury and personal heartbreak with the loss of her mum. Slegers has been hugely impressed with how the player has always shown a strong mentality.

She said “The highs and the lows and how she just keeps on coming back [is admirable]. She’s gone through a lot in life, which sometimes feels unfair as well. Of course, the loss of her mum. How strong she’s been and how she can be that person that will still be there for others. She’s driving the team forward and bringing the energy every single day, so I’m really impressed. The things that she’s gone through, it’s not easy. How she’s picked herself up and how she’s been so strong, her resilience in setbacks and in hard moments, it’s been so impressive.

“Looking at her and what she’s brought to the team, I think she’s been spreading that into the team. I think she’s not only been an inspiration for me, but also for many others. In that sense, who she is as a person in the background, but also the football that she’s played for Arsenal.

“She’s not done yet, there are two more games to play, but huge respect for Beth and who she is. I’ve learned so many things from her.”

Arsenal are next in action on Wednesday night when they play host to Everton at the Emirates Stadium.