Chelsea Women’s star gives tearful farewell message as shock departure announced

Chelsea Women’s star Guro Reiten couldn’t hide her emotions as her departure from the club was confirmed on Thursday.

Reiten, who has spent six-and-a-half years with the Blues, has left the club to join NWSL side Gotham FC initially on loan until making the move permanent on a free, signing a deal until 2029.

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She won the Women’s Super League title every year she played for the club, being part of a historic streak of successes.

In total, she made 207 appearances and scored 59 goals, making her Chelsea‘s third-highest scorer of all time.

But after an impressive journey since 2019, the 31-year-old has ended her spell to head to the United States for a new beginning.

And in her announcement video, Reiten’s sadness was clear to see.

Sitting down on camera whilst in floods of tears, the Norwegian began: “Okay, I need to do that again, I can’t start with crying.”

Looking back on her time at the club, she then said: “Everything has an end and this is my end here at Chelsea.

“I still remember Emma [Hayes] called me six-and-a-half years ago, convinced me to join the club and I was terrified.

“Scared that I wasn’t good enough. Scared to move away from my family. But little did I know that I was going to get a new family here.

“It’s been all about the people and the ones that have been with me on this journey.

“To the players, past and current, thank you for the memories, the ups, the downs, it’s been a ride.

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“It’s been an honour sharing a pitch with you and the friendships that I’ve built here, I will take them with me forever.

“To the staff and coaches, thank you for believing in me, for pushing me to be better, both as a footballer and as a person.

Reiten then tried to fight through more tears, as she said: “And to the Chelsea fans, I hope you guys know that you are what makes this club special.

“The support and love that you’ve shown me throughout the years. I can’t thank you guys enough for it.

“You will always have a special place in my heart.

“It’s been an absolute honour and a privilege to wear the badge and to represent you, so thank you and goodbye.”

From Chelsea to Gotham

Reiten leaves Chelsea having won six-straight WSL titles.

They currently sit third in the table after 16 games this season, with their long streak set to come to an end.

Manchester City sit at the top with a nine-point advantage.

Their potential concession of the WSL crown and the departure of Reiten will signify a major change at the club.

She will now be playing for Gotham FC in the NWSL, a club based in New York that have won two league titles in three years.

They lifted the trophy last season thanks to a 1-0 win over Washington Spirit in November.