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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Kirby enjoyed trophy-laden spell in London</li><li>Gave emotional farewell</li><li>Another huge loss for Chelsea</li></ul>

Another Chelsea goodbye! Tearful Blues legend Fran Kirby announces she will be following Emma Hayes out of the club after nine years

Women's Champions League

Chelsea FC Women

Celtic

Chelsea have announced that Kirby will be departing at the end of the WSL campaign. The 30-year-old spent nine years at the club, winning 14 trophies and making more than 200 appearances. She leaves as the Blues' all-time top goal-scorer and sat down to record an emotional farewell.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking to club media, she said: "I always wanted to win growing up, so coming to a club that shared that ambition was something that I valued. That is one of the main reasons I joined the club. I believe the club could help me do that."To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the team-mates I’ve played with – some of the world’s best players – it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life."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. Hopefully, I leave the club in a better place than when I first came in. For me then, the job is done."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fran has something to say... 🥲 After so many incredible memories, this season will be <a href="https://twitter.com/frankirby?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranKirby</a>'s last at Chelsea. <a href="https://t.co/9D9sweEyIG">pic.twitter.com/9D9sweEyIG</a>— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFCW/status/1786682249758302295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT FRAN KIRBY SAID

Chelsea are going to have a huge rebuilding job on their hands in the summer. Alongside Hayes and Kirby, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-chelsea-icon-maren-mjelde-breaks-down-in-tears-announcing-departing-end-of-season/blt5d491a894a3b58bd" target="_blank">Maren Mjelde is also stepping aside to mark a new era</a> in the capital. Hayes' farewell tour has not gone as planned and it looks like the club are going to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/team/chelsea-fc-women/spi3g782q7m4evjxn1sv6cfa" target="_blank">miss out on the Women's Super League title</a> as well as the Champions League.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Kirby will likely take some time to assess her options when the WSL campaign ends. The Lioness could opt to stay in England but may want to stay loyal to her beloved Chelsea. She could follow in the footsteps of international team-mates Lucy Bronze or Georgia Stanway and head abroad. Alternatively, Kirby may decide it is time to hang up her boots after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/fran-kirby-chelsea-star-fought-back-twice-wsl-player-of-the-season/zpvqznge1fpn191wzwcqo1fmm" target="_blank">a long and successful career that has been affected by health issues</a>.

WHAT NEXT FOR KIRBY

Another Chelsea goodbye! Tearful Blues legend Fran Kirby announces she will be following Emma Hayes out of the club after nine years | Goal.com

Chelsea and WSL legend Fran Kirby will be following Emma Hayes through the exit door at the end of the season.