Chelsea’s record women’s goalscorer Fran Kirby is to leave at the end of the season after nine years in which she ‘lived out amazing dreams’.
The 30-year-old joined from Reading in 2015 and has scored 115 goals in 205 appearances, winning six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and the WSL Spring Series.
‘I came to this club as a young girl, with big dreams,’ she said in a statement.
‘After nine years I’m leaving having lived out those amazing dreams in front of you.
‘I guess this is me saying goodbye to you. 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.
‘So to leave as your record goalscorer, being part of the journey from Staines to Stamford Bridge I guess that’s it. And hopefully I’ll see you soon.’
Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green hailed a club great.
‘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 said.
‘She is the club’s leading goalscorer in the modern era and leaves Chelsea with legendary status. We sincerely thank Fran for her contributions and wish her well for the future.’
Kirby has made 18 appearances in the WSL this season, scoring two goals before she succumbed to injury.
In December 2020, she became the club’s leading goalscorer as she netted her 69th and 70th goals against Benfica, surpassing the previous 68-goal record held by Eni Aluko.
Chelsea are set to pay tribute to Kirby, Maren Mjelde, who also announced her departure this week, as well as long-serving manager Emma Hayes at their last home match of the season on Sunday.
The Blues take on Bristol City at Kingsmeadow in a game they have to win to keep their WSL title hopes alive.
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