A Glorious Farewell for Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr has left an indelible mark on her Chelsea career, scoring a stunning winning goal against Manchester United in her final match. This remarkable achievement saw her become the club's joint all-time top scorer. The emotional day at Stamford Bridge, affectionately dubbed 'Samford Bridge' for one final Saturday, was marked by a breathtaking volley in the 34th minute. This goal, her 116th for the club, tied the all-time record held by her former strike partner Fran Kirby.
Kerr had the chance to break the record, as she fired a shot over the crossbar in the 89th minute of Chelsea's 1-0 victory. She was then substituted off in stoppage time to a standing ovation from the entire stadium, including fans and players from Manchester United. This moment marked her 158th and final appearance for the Blues, a fitting end to her six-and-a-half-year tenure with the London giants.
Throughout her time at Chelsea, Kerr has achieved incredible success, winning five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. She also claimed the golden boot award twice as the WSL's top scorer. Her English teammate Millie Bright, a 20-trophy veteran with Chelsea, was also marking her farewell, with both players receiving a guard of honour.
Reports suggest that Kerr might return to the United States after her time in west London. This move would allow her recently-retired wife Kristie Mewis to return to her homeland, along with their son Jagger. The couple was seen watching the game from the stands as Chelsea finished third in the women’s top-flight.
It was reported last month that Kerr had agreed to a move to the NWSL franchise Denver Summit, although the striker 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," said Kerr, who is expected to announce her move to the NWSL in the US soon.
"It's also fitting I end level with Fran after we played some pretty good football together. But I mean, 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 the 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 mike 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 them, that instinctive and deadly first-time goal lashed in at the near post from a Lauren James cross, was enough to earn the victory that ensured Chelsea finished third in the table and sealed a place in the Champions League qualifiers next season.
But the deposed champions finished behind Arsenal, who sealed second place with their 3-1 win at Liverpool, and champions Manchester City, who won 4-1 at West Ham, for whom another favorite Matilda, Katrina Gorry, played her final game.
The third-place finish also means that they are demoted to the qualifiers for next season’s Champions League, with only champions Manchester City and Arsenal enjoying a direct route through to the competition proper after clinching the pair of automatic qualifying spots.
"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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