Jen Beattie has left Arsenal to complete a permanent transfer to National Women's Soccer League side Bay FC in the USA.

Beattie made 166 appearances for the Gunners across two spells, scoring 33 goals, including in Arsenal's UEFA Women's Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg last season.

The 32-year-old centre-back first signed for Arsenal in 2009, winning one league title, two FA Cups and two League Cups before spells with Montpellier, Manchester City and Melbourne City.

Beattie returned to North London in 2019 and helped Arsenal win the Conti Cup in 2023.

She retired from international football last year after 142 caps for Scotland.

Away from the pitch, Beattie has worked with Arsenal's commercial and partnerships teams last season as well as mentoring academy players. As part of her new contract in July 2023, the Scot took on an increased role within Arsenal’s football department as Performance Lifestyle Lead.

A letter to you all, Gooners ?? pic.twitter.com/A90UOKlVrd

— Jen Beattie MBE (@jbeattie91) February 2, 2024

The inspirational Beattie overcame breast cancer in 2020 and was later presented with the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award, for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity.

She was also awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023 for services to football and charity.

Beattie will switch from North London to San Francisco, joining NWSL upstarts Bay FC, an expansion team set to play for the first time in the 2024 season.

I had the opportunity to speak to @jbeattie91 in Arsenal’s press conference ahead of the first leg of last season’s UWCL semi-final, and Jen’s insight into Leah Williamson’s ACL injury just a few days after it happened was honest and perceptive ?? pic.twitter.com/iRWxRKlV9z

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) February 2, 2024

Sporting Director Edu Gaspar said: “Jen has had a beautiful career with Arsenal and we want to say a big thank you for her many years with us. She has helped to bring titles to our club and as a person, she is a great example of strength. We wish her success and happiness in the USA and she is welcome here in her home at any time.”

All the best to Jen Beattie a true Arsenal legend on and off the field. A footballing colossus as well as being such an inspiration on so many levels for so many reasons. Good luck in the States https://t.co/HsxBQ6g0oG

— Layth (@laythy29) February 2, 2024

Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley said: “Jen leaves Arsenal with the respect and admiration of every one of us. She has been a wonderful player for us across two periods here and we’re excited to watch her in this new chapter. It’s a sad moment to say goodbye to such an important Arsenal figure, but Jen will always be part of this family and we look forward to seeing her soon.”