Rafaelle Souza’s quest to speak to every single Arsenal fan after the defeat to Aston Villa yesterday was brought to an end when the stewards announced that they had to begin closing the stadium, almost two hours after the full time whistle on Saturday afternoon.

The Brazilian has been at Meadow Park for just eighteen months but the love shown from the Arsenal supporters throughout her final game for the club told you all you need to know about Rafaelle, who even after saying goodbye to the fans bounced over to the waiting journalists with a beaming smile on her face.

There was little time for questions, so I wanted to keep mine simple. Rafa had popped up with some huge goals for the Gunners (mostly headers), but did she have a particular favourite?

“I think to score against Tottenham at the Emirates was amazing with all the fans there in such a big stadium, that was unbelievable and I will never forget it”.

Reflecting on the season itself, Rafaelle believes “despite all the injuries I think we have had a good season. We qualified for the Champions League, we got to the semi. With all the support I’m really thankful for these eighteen months and I’m really proud to be here.”

“It felt really nice [to win the Conti Cup]. One of my goals here was to win titles and we won the Conti Cup. Even though I’m leaving I know my name is going to be on the wall with that trophy and I’m really proud of it”

“I feel like this club has inspired me so much, I can feel the love from the fans, from the staff, from the whole team and I’m just thankful to be here and I’m really proud of this team”.

After her final game for the club, I asked @Rafaelleleone about her favourite goal for Arsenal ?? pic.twitter.com/yo4wB7a6oA

— Freddie Cardy (@CardyFreddie) May 27, 2023

Head coach Jonas Eidevall had this to say about Rafaelle following the game: "She has been an incredible athlete and player but as well as a person and she has fitted in so well with what it means to be an Arsenal player in the way she plays the game and expresses herself. It is a sad one, it is not common that we lose players we would like to keep. I think that’s the first one since i have been here that we lose a player we really don’t want to. But it was beyond our control. We wish her the very best and we have to be very good with our recruitment".