Hoogendijk goes to Arsenal
Monday, January 13, 2014
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"It is a real privilege to have signed for them," said Netherlands defender and midfielder Anouk Hoogendijk after joining quarter-finalists Arsenal LFC from AFC Ajax.
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Arsenal LFC have signed versatile Netherlands player Anouk Hoogendijk from AFC Ajax.
The 28-year-old, able to play in defence and midfield, continues the squad rebuilding at the Gunners, who have signed England goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain and centre-back Casey Stoney, but have seen the departure of key players Stephanie Houghton, Gilly Flaherty, Katie Chapman, Kim Little, Ellen White and Gemma Davison.
Hoogendijk has previous experience in the FA Women's Super League and UEFA Women's Champions League with Bristol Academy WFC in 2011, moving on to former club FC Utrecht and then Ajax. She began her career at Saestum, winning two Dutch titles, and has been capped 94 times by the Netherlands, helping them to the UEFA Women's EURO 2009 semi-finals by scoring the decisive penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out defeat of France.
"I'm excited to be returning to England, and to have the chance to play for Arsenal Ladies," said Hoogendijk, whose side play Birmingham City LFC in the UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finals in March. "They are one of the leading women's clubs in the game, with an amazing history, so it is a real privilege to have signed for them. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and preparing for the 2014 season."