A Memorable 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 moment solidified her place as the club's joint all-time top scorer. The emotional day at Stamford Bridge, affectionately dubbed 'Samford Bridge' for one final Saturday, saw the Matildas captain deliver a remarkable volley in the 34th minute, marking her 116th goal for the club and tying the record of her former strike partner Fran Kirby.
Kerr had the opportunity to break the record with a shot that went over the crossbar in the 89th minute, but it was her first goal that secured a 1-0 victory for Chelsea. She was later given a standing ovation by fans and even players from Manchester United, as she made her 158th and final appearance for the Blues.
This was a fitting end to the 32-year-old's six-and-a-half-year tenure with the London giants. During her time with the club, she helped secure five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. Additionally, she was twice named the WSL's golden boot winner, highlighting her consistent performance as the league's top scorer.
Her English teammate Millie Bright, a 20-trophy veteran with Chelsea, also marked her farewell with the pair receiving a guard of honour. Reports suggest that Kerr may return to the United States after her time in west London, which could bring her recently-retired wife Kristie Mewis back to their homeland, along with their son Jagger.
The couple watched 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 a move to 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."
She 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 favourite 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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