Arsenal Ladies release Rachel Yankey and Emma Byrne
Tuesday 3 January 2017 09:34, UK
Rachel Yankey and Emma Byrne have been released by Arsenal Ladies.
England winger Yankey won eight league titles, nine FA Cups and a UEFA Women's Cup during her career with the Gunners which spans 20 years.
Yankey first joined the club as a 16-year-old in 1996 and left four years later to play for Fulham, Birmingham and New Jersey before returning to north London.
She made a goalscoring debut for England in 1997 and has since made a record 129 appearances for her country - four more than former goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Arsenal announced her departure, calling Yankey's time at the club "a glittering career" and hailing her "outstanding contribution".
Republic of Ireland international Byrne, also 37, departs after a 17-year stint in which she helped the club earn 11 league titles, 10 FA Cups and the UEFA Women's Cup.
She lost her place to Sari van Veenendaal last season, and the club said: "Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Emma for her commitment and contribution to the club, and to wish her the very best for her future."
"Thank you @emmsb30 for letting me learn from all your experience & qualities. Wish you all the best!" tweeted the Dutch keeper.
"I'm gonna miss you @rachelyankey11! It was you who taught me to always enter the pitch with a smile."
England and Arsenal midfielder Fara Williams added on Twitter: "Lucky enough to be able to call you both team mates for a year.. true legends of the club and will be hugely missed.."
