Vivianne Miedema decided to join Manchester City to win titles and play with the world’s best, according to the former Arsenal striker herself.

Vivianne Miedema after signing for Manchester City (Photo via ManCity.com)
Vivianne Miedema after signing for Manchester City (Photo via ManCity.com)

On Friday morning, Manchester City announced the signing of Vivianne Miedema, who was released by Arsenal earlier in the summer.

Miedema has signed a three-year deal with City after ending a seven-season spell in north London, and she explained the decision to their club website.

“The reason I chose City is because they have the same ambitions as me,” Miedema insisted. “They want to win the league and titles.

“Looking to the future, I’ve always said I want to play with best players in the world and I think City have got that.”

Vivianne Miedema after signing for Manchester City (Photo via ManCity.com)
Vivianne Miedema after signing for Manchester City (Photo via ManCity.com)

“I do think this is the place to be right now,” Miedema added. “In the end, it was an easy choice for me. I want to challenge myself every day in training, but also every single week in the games we play.”

Miedema will join up with City for pre-season training at the end of July, following her international involvement with the Netherlands this month.

The Netherlands face Italy and Norway in Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers over the next fortnight.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 10: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal looks on during the team's warm up prior to the Barclays Women's Super League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Vivianne Miedema of Arsenal looks on during the team’s warm up prior to the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on December 10, 2023. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Despite previous claims that it was purely Arsenal’s decision to let Miedema leave this summer, the 27-year-old recently told the media the decision was a mutual one.

“Obviously, with the injuries and with the struggles I’ve had lately, it’s been really, really difficult to be around the club and to be at the club sometimes,” Miedema explained.

“I think, from both sides, we realised that this isn’t the fit it was two years ago anymore and from there on, you need to look to the future. I [was] speaking to clubs in winter.

“I was really close to potentially moving in winter already and from there on, my focus has always been on getting fit and moving forward and moving forward somewhere else.”

Miedema scored 125 goals in her seven years for Arsenal, becoming the WSL’s all-time top-scorer and winning the Golden Boot on two occasions. But when she next turns up at Meadow Park or the Emirates Stadium, it will be for Arsenal’s title rivals.