Louise Quinn will leave Arsenal this summer, ending her amazing change in fortune after fearing her playing days were over.
The Arsenal centreback, who enjoyed a standout season when she first arrived and helped Arsenal win the league, was left without a club after signing for Notts County Ladies shortly before they folded in 2017. Quinn signed for Arsenal for the Spring Series and was then rewarded with a permanent deal after impressing.
“God yeah, it is literally almost two years to the day,” Quinn told the Irish Times back in May 2019. “What a turnaround. It’s hard to describe at the moment, the ups and downs of it all, there were some tough times in there, but Sunday made every step of it worthwhile.
“It’s [winning the league] definitely my proudest moment. When I look at where I’ve come from, it’s amazing.”
12 months later and it seems her fortunes have changed once again as she is released by Arsenal at the end of her contract.
Back in January, her agent hinted strongly at Quinn leaving due to a dramatic drop in playing time during her second season. She had only amassed 175 minutes in the league by the time the winter window was closing. That was despite being the fifth most-used player the season before. Quinn was clearly fourth choice at the club before injuries opened the door for her in the latter part of the season.
“Louise Quinn is set to leave the club following the conclusion of her contract,” Arsenal stated on their website. “Louise joined Arsenal from Notts County in May 2017. During her time at the club, the powerful defender helped us win the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League cup in 2018, as well as the Barclays FA Women’s Super League in 2019.
“The Republic of Ireland international made 76 appearances and scored seven goals during her three year tenure at the club.
“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Louise for her contribution to the team’s success, and for her exceptional professionalism and commitment to the club.
“Everyone at Arsenal wishes Louise the very best for the future.”
Before Notts County, Quinn spent four years with Swedish club Eskilstuna United and played for University College Dublin and Peamount United in Ireland.