Matildas superstar Sam Kerr is leaving Chelsea after a glittering six-and-a-half year period in which she won an astonishing number of trophies and became the club's leading goal scorer in the Women's Super League (WSL).
The London club confirmed the news, which had been speculated for several months, in a tribute posted to its website on Thursday afternoon (Friday morning AEST).
The 32-year-old, who's been heavily linked to a move to the USA's National Women's Soccer League next season, will play her last game for the club on Saturday against Manchester United.
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While the Blues are guaranteed third place regardless of the result, there will be increased interest not just because of Kerr's farewell, but also because one more goal would see her equal the club's all-time leading goal scorer, Fran Kirby, with 116 goals in all competitions.
Kerr said there was "a little bit of sadness" leaving the club, her teammates and the fans.
"But when I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time, I just feel happy," she said, holding baby Jagger Mewis-Kerr in a video shared by the club.
"Happy that it happened, and I feel so grateful to have played for this club for six years and won as many trophies as we could."
Kerr and Chelsea have had quiet years by their lofty standards but she has still managed to score 16 goals in 29 appearances this season, after coming back from a two-year layoff due to an ACL injury.
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Kerr leaves Chelsea with five WSL titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, the Community Shield, and with a firm place in Chelsea history and the hearts of Blues supporters.
Chelsea described the club's fourth-highest appearance maker as a "ruthless and consistent goalscorer" and a "hugely influential presence during a period of sustained success".
"Kerr's goals powered Chelsea to several trophies over the past six seasons," the club said.
"She was our top scorer during trophy-laden 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns and twice earned Women's Super League Golden Boot awards after we claimed successive titles."
Kerr pointed to winning three FA Cups in a row as her favourite memories from her time at the club.
It hasn't been announced where she'll play next year.
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