Fran Kirby, England forward, is set to depart from Chelsea at the end of the season when her contract concludes, following a successful nine-year stint with the current Women’s Super League champions.

At 30 years old, Kirby holds the record as the club’s top goalscorer in the modern era, netting 115 goals in 205 appearances.

Since her transfer from Reading in 2015, she has been instrumental in Chelsea securing 15 trophies, which include six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups.

“To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the team-mates I’ve played with – some of the world’s best players – it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life,” Kirby said in an emotional video message to supporters.

“Part of my job is to play well, win trophies and football games. If I can do that and inspire young girls to be footballers or any form of athlete, that is enough for me.

“Growing up I never thought I could impact it so much. So I’m really proud I have been able to impact in a positive way and doing that for a club like Chelsea is something I’m really proud of.”