Sam Kerr signs huge deal with UK soccer club, Chelsea

Sam Kerr signs huge deal with UK soccer club, Chelsea

It’s been a mammoth few years for Sam Kerr. The Captain of The Matildas has been key to the growth of the W League and its hurtle into the mainstream. And, more broadly, her star power has helped drive momentum of women’s sport across the country.

Now, the talented athlete can add another string to her bow after confirming her signing to UK football club, Chelsea.

Ending weeks of speculation, Kerr spoke yesterday about the new move and her excitement for the challenge, referencing her quick rapport with Chelsea’s coach Emma Hayes.

“It’s exciting, I wanted to come to the club and Emma gained my trust pretty quickly,” she told Chelsea’s official website.

“The main reason for me was to better myself and expand my knowledge.

“I felt like Chelsea was the right fit for me and I want to help them do something great.

“It appealed to me that there is a challenge ahead like qualifying for the Champions League. Unfortunately they didn’t do it last year so hopefully things can change this year.”

Kerr could make her debut against Reading as early as five days into the new year.

Chelsea recently secured a lucrative sponsorship from UK Bank Barclays, and is touted to have one of the best player line-ups for 2020.

As well as Kerr, the club recently signed South Korean playmaker Ji So-yun and England striker Fran Kirby. According to Kerr, the club’s diversity and new dynamics were a huge part of the appeal.

“Clubs like this are the biggest clubs in the world so it’s an exciting change but also a nerve-wracking change,” she said.

“I’m definitely excited to play with Ji, I’ve played against her a lot of times.

“Obviously Fran Kirby is a big name, but they are all big names.

“They play in great national teams. There are a few Swedish girls and Norwegians … it’s going to be the most internationals I’ve played with in a team so it’s going to be good.”

Kerr’s departure is a sad loss for Australia, but a massive win for Chelsea.

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