A Memorable Farewell for Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr has left an indelible mark on her Chelsea career, scoring a remarkable goal in her final match against Manchester United. This goal not only sealed her place as the club's joint all-time top scorer but also marked the end of an incredible six-and-a-half-year journey with the London giants.
On a special day at Stamford Bridge, which was affectionately dubbed 'Samford Bridge' for the occasion, Kerr delivered a stunning volley in the 34th minute. This goal was her 116th for the club, tying the record previously held by her former teammate Fran Kirby. She had even the chance to surpass the record, hitting the crossbar in the 89th minute during Chelsea's 1-0 victory. As the game came to a close, she was given a standing ovation from fans and players alike, marking her 158th and final appearance for the Blues.
This moment was a fitting conclusion to Kerr’s stellar career with Chelsea, where she secured five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. She also claimed the golden boot twice as the WSL top scorer. Her English teammate Millie Bright, who has won 20 trophies with Chelsea, was also bidding farewell, with both players receiving a guard of honor.
There have been reports suggesting that Kerr might return to the United States after her time in London, potentially bringing her recently-retired wife Kristie Mewis back to their home country along with their son Jagger. The couple was seen watching the match from the stands as Chelsea finished third in the women’s top-flight.
It was reported last month that Kerr had agreed to join the NWSL franchise Denver Summit, although she denied this link. "It was an amazing day, kind of fitting to play against Man United, a team I've scored so many of my favourite goals against, and to score one like that today was awesome," Kerr said. "It's also fitting I end level with Fran after we played some pretty good football together."
She added, "Every goal to me for this club is special, I enjoyed every minute today. It's just, honestly, the biggest honour to play for this club, and I have so many amazing memories which I'll carry with me forever."
Kerr appeared with her one-year-old son Jagger in front of cheering fans. "He's born in Chelsea, so it's kind of cute, and a nice little finish, but it was special to walk out with him and have my family here. A really sad day, but happy day, I guess," she smiled. "It's going to be hard to leave, but I've only good things to say about the club and the people here."
Kerr then took the microphone to address the fans. "Thank you to everyone who I've played with since I've been representing you guys," she told them. "Week in, week out, every single minute for you guys. I've had some great personal memories both on and off the pitch, so thank you to all of you. Hopefully, you support me wherever I go."
Her send-off present to the fans was an instinctive and deadly first-time goal lashed in at the near post from a Lauren James cross, which was enough to secure the victory that ensured Chelsea finished third in the table and qualified for the Champions League qualifiers next season.
However, the deposed champions finished behind Arsenal, who secured second place with their 3-1 win at Liverpool, and champions Manchester City, who won 4-1 at West Ham, where another favorite Matilda, Katrina Gorry, played her final game. The third-place finish means that they are demoted to the qualifiers for next season’s Champions League, with only Manchester City and Arsenal securing direct routes into the competition.
"Obviously, there's a little bit of sadness," Kerr said when announcing her departure from the London side. "It's leaving Chelsea, leaving the club where I've been for so long, leaving my teammates, leaving the fans. But when I reflect on my Chelsea career and doing it for the last time, I just feel happy. 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. The only thing that comes to my mind is remembering all the happy moments, the fun moments, and just feeling really proud."
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