Toni Payne has announced her departure from Sevilla FC, becoming the second Super Falcons player to leave the current club within 24 hours following Vivian Ikechukwu’s exit from Besiktas, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 29-year-old forward and midfielder announced the decision in a long note to the club, where she scored 30 goals and provided 24 assists in 177 matches since arriving from Ajax in 2018.
The statement read, “WWhen I arrived from Amsterdam to Seville, I never imagined that I would spend six years in this beautiful city, which made me feel like a true Sevillan. After just one season, I understood the meaning of being part of this club.
“I have been fortunate enough to wear the Sevilla FC shirt and proudly say that I have defended this badge for 6 seasons, playing 177 games, scoring 30 goals, and providing 24 assists. I feel very happy if, with the greatest humility, I have been able to help the team grow.
“More than a club, Sevilla has been a part of my life, growing and learning daily alongside such magnificent people. Anyone who has been part of this club knows that the moment of farewell is not easy, and in my case, after so many seasons at the club, you can imagine that it is even more difficult.
“Thank you for the love you have shown me from day one and for how you have made me feel.
“It is not easy to be in another country and away from your family, but I have been fortunate to find a fundamental person in my career who has helped me and continues to do so both personally and in sports, for which I am grateful.
“I know it is very difficult to mention in this letter all the people who have been by my side all this time.
“You will always have my respect and gratitude.
“Each and every one of the coaches and the rest of the technical staff that have helped me since I arrived until today.
“Thanks to the president and the directors, and thanks to the doctors, physiotherapists, and all the club workers, who are many, making the day-to-day more enjoyable. My sincerest gratitude to the Director of Women’s Football, Amparo, who made it possible for me to play for this great club and in Spain.
“To the fans, I only have words of recognition for their dedication to their colours.
“Always encouraging and supporting us non-stop.
“Lastly, I want to thank all my teammates. I’m lucky to have come across such incredible friends. I wish you the best. I will always carry in my heart a club that has given me so much in these six years.
“I had a dream in my career, and now I am going to fulfil it. I begin a new stage with challenges and goals I wish to achieve.
“Thank you very much. I wholeheartedly wish the best of luck and the greatest success to Sevilla FC, and here you have a true Sevillaista for life.”
Payne represented the United States of America at the U17, U20, and U23 levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria. and she has made 14 appearances for the Super Falcons since 2021.