Since joining Chelsea Women from Reading in 2015 for a record transfer fee, Fran Kirby has been a key player in the team's success. Over her nine years with the Blues, she's won an impressive 14 trophies, played in over 200 games, and become the top scorer in the club's modern history.
Kirby's impact at Stamford Bridge will be remembered for years to come as she's formed a strong connection with Chelsea fans. The footballer spoke to Blues supporters after announcing her departure.
With tears in her eyes, she said: "When I joined I was quite young, quite inexperienced. And yeah I had no idea of what was to come and where the club would go, the people I would meet along the way. It has been amazing and its something I’ve been so grateful for just to be here."
"Like I say, the people that I’ve met, I’ve made friendships for life, memories for life. I was terrified when I first came in. There were so many legends sitting around in the changing room and I was this young girl coming in from Reading who didn’t have much experience on the big stage."
"To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the teammates I’ve played with – some of the world’s best players – it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life."
"For me, I was just a young girl who loved football. And it still is that now. I’m a bit older now, but still someone who just loves to play football. Part of my job is to play well, win trophies and football games. If I can do that and inspire young girls to be footballers or any form of athlete. That is enough for me."
To the fans Kirby said: "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."
Full goodbye message from Kirby.
