Arsenal have confirmed that forward Tobin Heath has left the club by mutual consent. 

Heath sustained a hamstring injury in training last week, which has ruled her out for the rest of the Women’s Super League season. 

The US star has been released to allow her to go back to the USA and focus on her rehabilitation. 

“Although I’m disappointed that my time at Arsenal has come to an early end, I have loved every minute of my time here," she said. "I would like to thank everyone at the Club who has made me feel so welcome. 

“Arsenal is a special Club and this is a special group of players. I have no doubt that they are bound for success in the near future and I’ll be supporting the team with the rest of the Arsenal family from now on.”

Meanwhile, Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Tobin this season. She has made an important contribution both on and off the pitch, with her mentality and character setting a great example to the entire group. We wish Tobin well for the future and look forward to seeing what comes next for her.”

How did Heath fare at Arsenal? 

The signing of Heath at the start of this campaign took everyone by surprise. 

Arsenal already had a plethora of attacking options and it was thought that Eidevall might choose to strengthen other areas of the pitch instead. 

Yet, the chance to sign one of the USA’s most skilful players was something the Gunners head coach simply could not turn down. 

Though the 33-year-old struggled to consolidate a place in the starting lineup, she proved to be a more than useful substitute. 

In 18 appearances for Arsenal, Heath scored three goals. This included a 92nd-minute equaliser against Man City –– a goal which may well prove crucial come the end of the season. 

Similarly, Heath came on with 15 minutes to play in the Champions League quarter-final against Wolfsburg, before setting up Lotte Wubben-Moy with an inch-perfect cross to level the score at 1-1. 

Her last goal came in a 5-0 win against Leicester earlier this month, in a match where she again featured as a late sub. 

A women’s football icon 

While she was not a regular starter for Eidevall’s side, Heath has had a distinguished career and is no doubt a legend of the women’s game. 

The winger has made 181 appearances for the US Women’s National Team, scoring 36 goals. 

She is also a two-time World Cup winner and two-time Olympic gold medallist. 

The 33-year-old has played for the likes of PSG, Man United and has won two NWSL titles with the Portland Thorns. 

What will Heath do next? 

It’s unclear at this stage where Heath will go next, but for now, the focus will be on her recovery. 

The US star may prefer to stay put in America and sign for an NWSL club, however, don’t rule out another move back to the WSL.

Indeed, Heath shocked fans when she signed for United two years ago and did the same when she arrived in North London. Perhaps then, we’ll see her do it all over again.