Jen Beattie penned an emotional farewell to the Arsenal faithful after leaving the Women's Super League title contenders for National Women's Soccer League club Bay FC. 

Beattie, 32, won a number of trophies during two spells with the Gunners, which saw her make 166 appearances and score 33 goals. 

But the Scottish centre-back will now ply her trade in the United States with Bay FC, who were founded last year and are based in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

In a letter published on Arsenal's website, Beattie said: "Gooners, I want to start by saying thank you. 

"I don't think there was ever going to be a right time to leave Arsenal because it was never going to be an easy decision. 

"When I think of Arsenal, I think of home and I think of family — and that's because of all of you.

"It's been an absolute privilege to represent this club. 

"As someone who grew up watching Thierry Henry, Rachel Yankey, Dennis Bergkamp, Jayne Ludlow and Kelly Smith, I feel so lucky to be able to call myself a Gunner and to have been made so welcome from day one.

"It's almost difficult to put into words just how much the people at this club mean to me. 

"I've never really experienced anything like this before, when team-mates become friends and then family. 

"I went through the hardest period of my life during my time at Arsenal and I couldn't have asked for better support from the club. 

"I think that's what's so special about this club. Performance is so important but the human always comes first.

"This might be the end of my journey as an Arsenal player but as of today, I'm now a fan. Once a Gooner, always a Gooner."

Sporting director Edu added: "Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. 

"We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time."