May 4th 2024.
After an incredible nine years at Chelsea, Fran Kirby has announced her departure from the club. The record-breaking women's goalscorer will be leaving at the end of the season, but her impact and legacy will never be forgotten.
Kirby joined Chelsea in 2015 from Reading and has since scored an impressive 115 goals in 205 appearances. She has been a key player in the team's success, helping them to secure six Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and the WSL Spring Series. As she says goodbye to the club, she reflects, "I came to this club as a young girl, with big dreams. After nine years, I'm leaving having lived out those amazing dreams in front of you."
To the fans, Kirby expresses her heartfelt gratitude, "A huge thank you to all of you, you have been there for some of my ultimate highs and my ultimate lows and you have always given me so much love, so much support and I will never forget the feeling of playing in front of you – ever." She also acknowledges the honor of leaving as the club's record goalscorer and being a part of the journey from Staines to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea's general manager, Paul Green, praises Kirby as a club great, saying, "Fran has been a hugely important player for us over the last nine years. She has played an integral role in the club's success, winning 15 trophies and earning numerous individual accolades." He also acknowledges her legendary status at the club and wishes her well for the future.
Kirby's contributions to Chelsea extend beyond her impressive goal-scoring record. In December 2020, she became the club's leading goalscorer in the modern era, surpassing the previous record of 68 goals held by Eni Aluko. Her impact on the club will be remembered for years to come.
As she prepares to say goodbye to the club and her fans, Kirby reflects on her time at Chelsea with gratitude and fondness. She will be missed by the team and the fans, but her legacy will live on. Chelsea will pay tribute to Kirby, along with Maren Mjelde and long-serving manager Emma Hayes, at their last home match of the season on Sunday. The team will also be battling it out for the WSL title, making the match even more significant.
So, as we bid farewell to Fran Kirby, we can't help but feel grateful for the incredible nine years she has given to Chelsea. Her determination, talent, and passion for the game have made her a true legend at the club. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors, and we'll always remember her as a Chelsea great.
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