What's happened
Chelsea's record women's goalscorer Fran Kirby, who has won numerous titles during her time at the club, will be departing at the end of the current season after nine years.
Why it matters
Fran Kirby's departure from Chelsea marks the end of an era for the club, as she has been a key player in their success over the past nine years. Her contributions to the team and her record-breaking achievements have left a lasting impact on women's football.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Kirby expressed her gratitude for her time at Chelsea, stating, '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.' The Independent highlighted Kirby's emotional farewell message to the fans, where she thanked them for their support throughout her time at the club.
How we got here
Fran Kirby joined Chelsea from Reading in 2015 and has since become the club's all-time leading goalscorer. She has won multiple Women's Super League titles, FA Cups, League Cups, and other accolades during her tenure at the club.
Common question
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Chelsea Football Club are an English professional football club based in Fulham, London. Founded in 1905, the club competes in the Premier League, the top division of English football.
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Francesca "Fran" Kirby is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Chelsea and the England national team. She began her career with her local team Reading before moving to Chelsea in July 2015.