England icon joins Arsenal in off-field role following retirement WSL club confirm

Arsenal have confirmed former Lionesses and Arsenal striker Jodie Taylor has returned to the club in a new off-field role.

The forward, who retired in the summer, has re-joined the club in a Football Services Executive role after bringing down the curtain on her playing career.

The new role of Football Services Executive will see the 37-year-old link up with Gunners Head Coach Jonas Eidevall, Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley and the first-team playing squad and technical staff in order to support the continued growth of Arsenal Women's team.

“I’m really excited to be returning to Arsenal and taking on this new role,” said Taylor.

“I’m looking forward to working with Jonas (Eidevall), Clare (Wheatley) and the football leadership team across the club, as well as providing a link between the players and staff. I love how well-respected and supported our women’s team is and I’m excited to continue to drive the high-performance culture within the club" added the former Lioness.

Taylor, who was capped a total of 51 times by England, ended her playing career with the North London club last season and made eight appearances after joining the club on a free transfer following her release from San Diego Wave.

One of the most decorated English players of recent times, she represented the Lionesses at the 2019 World Cup and turned out for the likes of OL Reign, Lyon and Birmingham City alongside her two spells with Arsenal.