Arsenal captain Little signs contract extension

Arsenal captain Kim Little has signed a one-year contract extension with the club.

The 35-year-old is one of the north Londoners’ most successful players of all time and has spent almost 15 years at Arsenal during two spells.

She led the squad to Women’s Champions League glory last season as they defeated Barcelona in Lisbon to lift their second European title.

The midfielder, widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest female footballers, has netted 177 goals in 405 Arsenal appearances.

She has won every trophy with the club, winning five league titles, three FA Cups and seven League Cups, along with last season’s Champions League and this term’s Champions Cup.

Little first joined Arsenal at the age of 17 in 2008 and spent five years in London before moving to Seattle Reign and later Melbourne City.

She returned to Arsenal in 2017 and was named captain a year later, helping them win the Women’s Super League title in 2019.

Her decision to retire from international football in 2021, after scoring 59 goals in 140 Scotland appearances, has helped prolong her club career.

Arsenal have been lowering the average age of their squad since the start of last year as they transition into a new era.

Their success in Europe has given them a platform to push on and invest, with the club able to attract some of the biggest names in global football.

They have a number of experienced players out of contract in the summer, but there was no doubt Little would stay on as the legendary midfielder remains a key part of Renee Slegers’ squad and has been integral to recent success.

As a result, the club made it clear they wanted Little to sign a new deal early on and their captain knows she still has more to give.

She was awarded an MBE for her services to football in the New Years Honours List in 2023 and showed her importance on the pitch last year in Europe.

While the women’s game continues to advance in medical science, nutrition and recovery, Little is still setting standards for younger players coming through.

Her longevity is testament to her professionalism and has justified her decision to retire from international football while still at the peak of her career.