Fuente: © Arsenal
http://www.arsenal.com/

ARSENAL: Akers shocked by duo's departure

/noticias.info/ By Chris Harris

Vic Akers has vowed to reinforce his Arsenal Ladies squad this summer following the departures of Anita Asante and Lianne Sanderson.

The England duo have opted for a new challenge at Chelsea, leaving the 'double' winners without two of their most prominent stars. Asante, 23, was a mainstay of Arsenal's back four and 20-year-old Sanderson netted 51 times in 36 appearances last term.

Akers is sorry to see them go - especially after releasing Mary Phillip at the end of the season - and he will spend the summer searching for top-class replacements.

"It's a shock to me, for sure," Akers told Arsenal.com. "I am disappointed to lose them but they have made their mind up to go and I would never keep anybody around the Club who is not happy. We have got to accept it.

"They are two top-class players. Lianne picked up the top goalscorer award last year, in a season that she possibly feels was not her best playing season. In terms of scoring though she was phenomenal. She was going onwards and upwards and will hopefully be a big player for England in the future.

"Anita is obviously a big blow for us, she was outstanding last year again and is always consistent in her performance. That's a real body-blow for me but we can't keep people who are not happy.

"We have got to look to improve the squad and get stronger again. It's a tough one but let's hope it settles itself down." notas_de_prensa_archivo