Sam Kerr has capped her remarkable Chelsea career with a stunning winning goal against Manchester United in her final appearance, leaving the club as its joint all-time top scorer.
On an emotional afternoon at Stamford Bridge, which was affectionately renamed 'Samford Bridge' for the occasion, the Matildas captain unleashed a superb volley in the 34th minute to score her 116th goal for the club, matching the record previously held by her former strike partner Fran Kirby.
Kerr came close to breaking the record outright, firing over the bar in the 89th minute of Chelsea's 1-0 victory. She was substituted in stoppage time to a standing ovation from the entire stadium, including Manchester United fans and players, as everyone paid tribute to her 158th and final appearance for the Blues.
A fitting farewell for a Chelsea legend
The 32-year-old's six-and-a-half-year stint with the London giants has been nothing short of stellar. During her time at Chelsea, she won five Women's Super League titles, three FA Cups, three League Cups, and was twice crowned the WSL's Golden Boot winner as the league's top scorer.
Fellow English international Millie Bright, who has won 20 trophies with Chelsea, also bid farewell in the same match, with both players receiving a guard of honour from their teammates.
Speaking after the game, Kerr said: "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." She added, "It's also fitting I end level with Fran after we played some pretty good football together. But every goal for this club is special, and I enjoyed every minute today."
Kerr, who is expected to announce a move to the NWSL in the United States, expressed her gratitude: "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."
After the match, Kerr appeared with her one-year-old son Jagger in front of the cheering crowd. "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."
Taking the microphone to address the fans, Kerr said: "Thank you to everyone who I've played with since I've been representing you guys. 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."
A winning send-off
Kerr's farewell gift to the Chelsea faithful was an instinctive and deadly first-time goal, lashed into the near post from a cross by Lauren James. The goal secured the victory, ensuring Chelsea finished third in the table and sealed a place in the Champions League qualifiers for next season.
However, the deposed champions ended the season behind Arsenal, who clinched second place with a 3-1 win at Liverpool, and champions Manchester City, who triumphed 4-1 at West Ham. In that match, another beloved Matilda, Katrina Gorry, played her final game.
