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Reign FC fans had a not-so-kind start to their Monday (ban Mondays?) with the news of midfielder Kim Little being transferred to Arsenal Ladies. On Reign FC’s Twitter account, their tweet of the announcement included the hashtag #ThanksKim and it’s no surprise there’s a lot of congratulations and well wishes albeit mixed with sadness. Here’s a collection of what fans, fellow NWSL players, and our Reign FC players are saying.
Sure am gonna miss my twinner! Can't wait to watch you kill it w @ArsenalLadies ❤️⚽️✈️☕️ pic.twitter.com/QqC7a0GDLy
— Elli Reed (@ellireed) October 17, 2016
All the best to @kimlittle16 as you head back to Arsenal. Been a real privilege to see you play in person for the past 4 years #ThanksKim
— ⭐️⭐️Dendy (@wenpdx) October 17, 2016
So thankful to have played with you @kimlittle16 and to call you my teammate and friend. Most humble person! Wishing you all the best ❤️ https://t.co/KSqLWQVlml
— Beverly(Goebel)Yanez (@beverlygoebel) October 17, 2016
It's sad to see @kimlittle16 leave the Reign but we were lucky to have her and she gave us some amazing moments to remember. #ThanksKim https://t.co/uzUyMfjdST
— Sandy (@sandy_chr) October 17, 2016
Yoooooo @kimlittle16 .. my heart is broken .. but I'll take you back in a heart beat .. I am now your Number 1 Fan #DynamicDuo #8IsRetired pic.twitter.com/hZLbGvjyXv
— Jessica Fishlock (@JessFishlock) October 17, 2016
Honored to have shared the pitch with the best #10 in the world! Wishing @kimlittle16 all the best!
— Keelin Winters (@KeelinWinters) October 17, 2016
Oh, and also thanks for this moment @kimlittle16. #ThanksKim pic.twitter.com/ApMCubx7zf
— Mike Russell (@mikerussellfoto) October 17, 2016
@kimlittle16 breaking hearts
— Rachel Corsie (@RachelCorsie14) October 17, 2016
#ThanksKim for your time with @SeattleReignFC and best wishes as you join @ArsenalLadies ⚽️ #SeattleLove pic.twitter.com/Nq5Oj1sAWt
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 17, 2016
A pleasure to call many of @kimlittle16 home games w/ @SeattleReignFC. All the best Kim. You'll be missed! #WorldClass
— Tom Glasgow (@Tom206Sports) October 17, 2016
@kimlittle16 it was an absolute honor to play with you. Best of luck. But just know they will never be the boys! #lilkim https://t.co/tOeGYx11dB
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) October 17, 2016
Congrats! But can you send her back in like a year or so?? https://t.co/4l2nbCLBII
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) October 17, 2016
Sad to see @kimlittle16 leave the league, but congrats on Arsenal! Truly the best player in the world. #ThanksKim
— Caroline Stanley (@CarolineStan) October 17, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear that probably the greatest, most skillful soccer player I've ever witnessed is leaving our...
Posted by JaneG. Photography on Monday, October 17, 2016
Loveeee you Kimyayyy! It's been an absolute pleasure. All my love and support...as you more on to your next opportunity... https://t.co/dcLaGQhtgT
— Merritt Mathias (@merrbear11) October 17, 2016
— Haley Kopmeyer (@hkopmeyer) October 17, 2016
...Not crying, not crying, not crying...
— Royal Gourd (@RoyalGuard_SG) October 17, 2016
Who are we kidding #ThanksKim for an absolutely phenomenal run. You'll be missed. #ForeverReign https://t.co/EkD0tC2XbI
When Kim Little made her Reign FC debut, she scored a brace in the 2014 season opening win against Boston Breakers. At the post-match press conference, head coach Laura Harvey famously said, “You’ve seen nothin’ yet.”
Thinking about the last few seasons, LH's presser after Kim's first game (netted a brace) is pretty special. Spot on. pic.twitter.com/asJsFLXW6q
— Jenny Jeffries (@thatjennyj) October 17, 2016
Indeed we had not at the time but as the saying goes, the rest is history. The Legend of Kim Little began with that victory against Boston. We would then see countless highlights of what she did with the ball seemingly at times tied to her feet. We would see her collect accolade after accolade. We would see fans and media label her without much argument, “The Best Player in the World.” Following that 2014 season opener, the next three seasons we had with Kim Little, we saw an artist.
So like the hashtag says, thanks Kim.