England great Lucy Bronze joins Chelsea from Barcelona

LONDON (AP) — England defender Lucy Bronze joined Chelsea from Barcelona on Wednesday on a two-year deal.

Five-time Champions League-winner Bronze completed her move to the Women’s Super League (WSL) champion after two years with Barcelona.

“To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time,” she said. “I’m really excited to be back in England. My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games.”

Bronze is one of the most successful players in the history of the women’s game after winning major titles with clubs and country.

The 32-year-old right back won the European Championship with England in 2022 and was a losing finalist at last year’s World Cup. She won three Champions League titles with Lyon and two more with Barcelona.

Bronze won eight league titles in England, France and Spain with Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon and Barcelona.

She was runner-up for the Ballon d’Or award in 2019 and named FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year in 2020.

“Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender. She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad,” Chelsea general manager Paul Green said.

Chelsea has dominated women’s soccer in England and is the five-time defending WSL champion.

It was managed by Emma Hayes before she left for the United States Women’s National Team at the end of the season. She has been replaced by former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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