A Glorious Farewell for Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr has left an indelible mark on her Chelsea career, marking her final match with a breathtaking goal that secured 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 moment of magic in the 34th minute.
Kerr scored a stunning volley, her 116th goal for the club, to equal the all-time record of her former strike partner Fran Kirby. She had the chance to surpass the record, hitting a shot over the bar in the 89th minute, but it was the first goal that etched itself into the memories of fans and players alike. As she came off the pitch in stoppage time, she received a standing ovation from everyone present, including Manchester United fans and players, acknowledging her 158th and final appearance for the Blues.
This was a fitting end to the 32-year-old’s remarkable six-and-a-half-year journey with the London giants. During her tenure, she helped secure five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups. Additionally, she was twice named golden boot winner as the WSL's top scorer.
Kerr’s English teammate, Millie Bright, who has won 20 trophies with Chelsea, was also bidding farewell. The two were honored with a guard of honor, symbolizing their deep connection to the club.
Reports have suggested that Kerr may be returning to the United States after her time in west London, a move that would bring her recently retired wife Kristie Mewis back to her 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 the NWSL franchise Denver Summit, although she denied the 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 return to the NWSL in the US.
“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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