Arsenal have confirmed that Scotland defender, Emma Mitchell, has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Posting a video to make the announcement on Twitter, Arsenal said of Mitchell, “Once in a lifetime a player comes along that changes football history.”

https://twitter.com/ArsenalWFC/status/981531891332509697

“I’m just buzzing,” Mitchell told Arsenal Player after the announcement. “It’s just an honour and a privilege to be at this club for such a long time, and renew my contract yet again. I’m really proud.

 “I think a massive influence on it has probably been Joe coming in with his philosophy, the way he wants to play. I like the values he’s brought to the club and the way that we’ve been able to kick on so quickly in such a short amount of time. It’s positive and encouraging, and there’s no place I’d rather be.

 “I’ve been here since I was 20 and now I’ve just kicked on 25. That’s literally like my mid-twenties, so I probably have done a lot of my learning here.

 “I’m just Mitch and I just crack on with everything. Obviously then there’s that responsibility that comes with being at the club for a while. When it gets down to the nitty gritty, I do have to take responsibility.”

Manager Joe Montemurro said: “Emma is a strong, powerful and committed player. We are delighted that Emma has committed her future with us, not only does she bring us consistently solid defensive performances, she also lifts the rest of the team with her humour, making her a positive influence within the changing room.”

25-year-old Mitchell signed with Arsenal from SGS Essen in 2013.  A graduate of the Glasgow City youth ranks, the Scottish international has 44 caps for her country after making her debut in 2011 against France. She captained her country at u17 and u19 level.

With Arsenal, Mitchell has won three FA WSL Continental Cups and three FA Cups.