Fran Kirby will leave Chelsea when her contract expires at the end of the season — bringing her nine-year spell at the club to an end.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder joined Chelsea from Reading in 2015 and has gone on to score 105 goals in 205 appearances for the club.
The England international has played a key role in Chelsea’s recent domestic successes, winning 15 major trophies during her nine years in west London — including six Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, while reaching the Champions League final in 2021.
“I think obviously the club has grown since I first joined, in terms of fans and engagements,” Kirby said upon the announcement.
“To have been there from the beginning at Staines, playing in front of an amazing crowd there and now to Stamford Bridge. We’re selling out the Bridge. It’s been an incredible journey with all of you.
Thank you, Chelsea 💙 pic.twitter.com/HoFDcbYXxa
— Fran Kirby (@frankirby) May 4, 2024
“Thank you for embracing me from day one. Helping me overcome some really difficult times and also sharing some amazing times with me. I will never forget how it felt to play in front of all of you.
“I hope I have left the club and the shirt in a place where you all can be proud of me.”
General manager Paul Green said: “Fran…
 titles, while reaching the Champions League final in 2021. “I think obviously the club has grown since I first...){kind=link}