LONDON (AP) — Wave of player departures Barcelona wins Women’s Champions League Mapi Leon joined London City Lionesses on Monday. Alexia Putelas becomes teammate again.
London City announced that Leon, 31, has signed a three-year contract as a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expires.
Leon won four Champions League titles in nine seasons at the heart of Barcelona’s defense, all of which were spent alongside Putelas as a playmaker.
Puteras joined London City last week, signing a statement for the fast-growing club, which is owned by London City. American businesswoman Michelle Kang.
“What can I say about Michele?” Leon said in a club statement. “She is an inspirational woman who wants to see women’s football develop and thrive.”
Spain’s right-back Ona Batre also signed for Arsenal last week when his contract with the European champions expired, after a summer of change at Barcelona.
Leon, Putelas and Batres all started in the Barcelona team that beat OL Lyon, also owned by Can, 4-0 in the Champions League final in May.
“I have been playing in Spain for many years, but considering the project I felt that now was the right time to move,” Leon said. “The English league is helping women’s football grow.”
London City finished sixth in the English Women’s Super League last season, making their debut in the top flight with Manchester City winning the title.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
