fran kirby Will leave Chelsea at the end of the current Women’s Super League season.
Since joining Reading in 2015, after almost a decade at the club, Kirby has established himself as the club’s top goalscorer in the modern era.
He scored 115 goals in 205 appearances for Chelsea, winning six WSL titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and one WSL title. community ShieldAs well as the WSL Spring Series.
“Chelsea fans, this is from my heart. I came to this club as a young girl with big dreams, nine years later I’m leaving in front of you living those amazing dreams,” Kirby said in a tearful message on X, which was previously shared on Twitter. Was known by name.
“(In) 2015, the hair was a bit shorter, the first goal in front of you (fans) in Birmingham was so special.
“So I guess this is me saying goodbye to you, thank you all so much, you’ve been there for some of my ultimate highs and my ultimate lows and you’ve always given me so much love, so much support and I’m so grateful for your I will never forget the feeling of playing in front.
“So to go as your record goalscorer, to be part of the journey from Staines to Stamford Bridge, I think that’s it, and hopefully I’ll see you soon.”
Kirby has not had the most straightforward career, spending 13 months on the sidelines due to a knee injury, and was diagnosed with a heart condition, pericarditis, in 2019–20.
He was also sidelined in 2022 with a fatigue-related illness, requiring him to set up an oxygen tent at home.
“I think since I first joined the club, fan-wise, engagement-wise and for me playing at the Staines in front of the amazing crowds that were there from the beginning and then obviously going to Stamford Bridge and selling It’s been an incredible journey with you all (the fans), embracing me from day one and helping me get through some tough times and sharing some amazing times with me. “Thank you,” Kirby said on Chelsea’s social media channels.
“I will never forget how it felt to play in front of you all and I hope I have left the club and the shirt in a place where you can all be proud of me.
Upon Kirby’s departure, general manager Paul Green commented: “Fran has been a hugely important player for us over the last nine years. He has played an integral role in the club’s success, winning 15 trophies and earning numerous individual accolades.
“He is the club’s leading goalscorer in the modern era and leaves Chelsea with a great position. We sincerely thank Fran for her contributions and wish her all the best for her future.”