Melbourne City FC goalkeeper Lydia Williams has joined Football Association Women’s Super League (FAWSL) side Arsenal Women and will therefore not return to the Club for the upcoming Westfield W-League season.
City’s first-choice goalkeeper will depart the Club after four successful seasons, as she joins The Gunners and heads to England’s top-flight for the first time in her illustrious career.
Paying tribute to Williams’ time at the Club, Melbourne City FC Director of Football Michael Petrillo said: “There is no question Lydia has been the best goalkeeper in the W-League for many years now but more importantly, she has been a delight to work with and a much admired and respected person at our football club.”
“Her contribution to our standing as the best club in the W-League has been enormous and she will always be welcomed back here with open arms,” he added.
“On behalf of everyone at our Club, I wish Lydia every success in the next chapter of her career.”
Speaking on her departure, Lydia Williams said: “I would like to thank the City Football Group and Melbourne City FC for the opportunity to play for and be a part of the most professional set up in Women’s football here in Australia.”
“The Club’s competitive environment has helped me develop into a better goalkeeper, footballer and person. To my teammates, the staff and our fans, thank you for making my time in Melbourne so memorable,” she added.
“It has been an honour to play for Melbourne City, and I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together with the support of the City fans during my four years at the Club.”
Williams departs City as the W-League’s most successful goalkeeper. Holding the record for the competition’s most clean sheets (50), Williams recorded 24 clean sheets in her 52 appearances for the Club – including nine clean sheets in City’s most recent invincible 2019/20 season.
During her time at City, Williams was named Goalkeeper of the Year in her first season at the Club where she went on to play an integral role in lifting three championship trophies and one premiership.
A leader on and off the pitch, Williams thrived under the pressure of big moments, pulling off terrific saves when her team needed it most – a feat that was on display in City’s most recent Grand Final triumph.
Williams will always be part of the Melbourne City family and the Club would like to wish her the best of luck for the future.
