A Memorable 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 the occasion, saw the Matildas captain deliver a stunning volley in the 34th minute, scoring her 116th goal for the club and tying the record set by her former teammate Fran Kirby.
Kerr had the opportunity to surpass the record, as she fired a shot over the crossbar in the 89th minute of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Manchester United. She was then substituted off in stoppage time, receiving a standing ovation from fans and players alike, including those from the opposing team. This moment marked her 158th and final appearance for the Blues, bringing her six-and-a-half-year tenure with the London giants to a close.
Her career with Chelsea has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has helped the club win five Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, and three League Cups, while also being named golden boot winner twice as the WSL’s top scorer. Her English teammate Millie Bright, who has won 20 trophies with Chelsea, also celebrated her farewell, with both players receiving a guard of honour.
Reports suggest that Kerr may return to the United States after her time in west London, a move that would allow her recently-retired wife Kristie Mewis to return 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 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 continued career in 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.”
