Fran Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of season after living out ‘amazing dreams’

Chelsea v Barcelona – UEFA Women’s Champions League – Semi Final – Second Leg – Stamford Bridge

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. After nine years I’m leaving having lived out those amazing dreams in front of you,” she said in an emotional video to fans posted on Instagram.

“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.”

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here.