Sari van Veenendaal has said she experienced many ‘beautiful things’ at Arsenal before leaving ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Sari van Veenendaal left Arsenal at the end of the season when it became clear she was no longer number one and that was going to jeopardise her national team spot, opting instead to go to the World Cup as a free agent.

Ending the tournament as the Golden Glove winner, she had her pick of clubs and ended up signing for Atletico Madrid where she is keen to further develop as a keeper.

Speaking to the press in her homeland about the new season, van Veenendaal touched on her time at Arsenal where she won the FA Cup and FA WSL Cup.

“I have experienced many beautiful things at Arsenal, but it was time for something new,” van Veenendaal said.

Press reports from the Netherlands at the time of her signing for Atletico Madrid claimed it was the 29-year-old’s choice to leave Arsenal after she had lost her place to Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. The club would have preferred, understandably, that she remained.

“I have spoken with several clubs and the story of Atlético Madrid suits me best”, van Veenendaal said herself.

“That choice [to wait] worked out well and after the tournament I thought carefully about a new step in my career.

“Atlético has proven itself in women’s football for years.

“Atlético offers me all the conditions to further develop myself as a goalkeeper. That is ultimately what counts. I am looking forward to getting started here.”

Van Veenendaal made 48 appearances for Arsenal during her four years in London after signing from FC Twente in 2015.