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Jordan Nobbs has been backed to “cement her place” in the England team after ending a 12-year Arsenal career by making a surprise move to Aston Villa.
The 69-cap midfielder is a former Lionesses vice-captain whose career has been hit by knee and ankle injuries in recent seasons.
The switch to Women’s Super League rivals Villa, announced on Thursday, gives Nobbs a fresh start as she seeks regular club football.
Nobbs was recalled by Sarina Wiegman to the England squad after missing the Euro 2022 win through injury, and the 30-year-old has now signed an 18-month deal with Villa, hoping it will be the springboard to a key role with the Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup.
Daughter of former Hartlepool defender Keith Nobbs, Nobbs joined Arsenal from Sunderland in August 2010 and won WSL titles in 2011, 2012 and 2019 with the Gunners, also winning the Women’s FA Cup four times.
She hit 81 goals in 270 games for Arsenal, the north London club said.
Villa manager Carla Ward said: “This is a big signing for us and Jordan is one of the country’s most decorated footballers. She’s a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new team-mates will thrive off.”
Ward told Villa’s website: “We’re delighted to secure her signature and we hope this move can help the football club as well as cement her place back in the international set-up.”
Arsenal sporting director Edu described Nobbs as “a wonderful servant” to the club who had “written her name into the Arsenal history books”.
