JOE MONTEMURRO says deciding to leave Arsenal at the end of the season was the “hardest professional decision of his life.”
The Gunners boss led the club to its first WSL title in seven years in 2019, four cup finals and a Champions League quarter final during his three years in charge.
Montemurro, 51, has decided to take a break from work to spend more time with his family.
He said: “My three and a half years at Arsenal have been a fantastic adventure, the highlight of my coaching career.
“I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the best in the industry on and off the pitch.
“This has been the hardest professional decision of my life, as I absolutely love this job and this club, the club I have supported all my life.
“I’m hugely grateful to the club for their unrelenting support during my time here and in understanding and respecting my decision.”
The Gunners boss will leave the club on May 31, and the North Londoners have already started the search for his successor.
Leah Williamson wrote on Twitter: “The definition of a good man.”
It has been a turbulent season for Arsenal, who failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.
They are currently fourth in the table behind rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and United.
Only the top three in the women’s top-flight qualify for Europe, but they are only three points behind United, having recently pumped them 2-0.
Montemurro said: “I’ve had a fantastic time here at Arsenal and I am proud of what we have achieved.
“I must thank all the fans, players, staff and the club.
“This club has always been a leader in women’s football and I will be cheering us on to the next level as I watch as a passionate and enduring fan.
“My focus now is helping the team to complete the season strongly and finishing as high as possible in the WSL, leaving the club in good shape for the future.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
