Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson and forward Pernille Harder to leave in the summer when their contracts expire
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Published 18/05/2023 at 16:58 GMT
Magdalena Eriksson has won 11 trophies during her six seasons with the club and could lift one more with Chelsea two points clear at the top of the Women's Super League. Pernille Harder joined in 2020 and has been described by manager Emma Hayes as one of the best attacking players in the world. Both players have been linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
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Chelsea captain Magdalena Eriksson will leave the club this summer, along with forward Pernille Harder.
The pair are exiting at the expiration of their contracts and Eriksson has said: "It's with a heavy heart and so many emotions I announce that my journey as a Blue will come to an end.
"I see myself as extremely privileged to have played a part in this great club's history.
"It's been one heck of a journey, and I will carry the memories we've created together for the rest of my life. I will miss you all so very much."
Eriksson has lifted 11 trophies since joining the club in 2017 and will be hoping to leave with one further piece of silverware.
Emma Hayes’ side are currently two points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League with two matches to play, and put themselves in pole position with a 4-0 win at West Ham.
Arsenal and Reading await in their final fixtures of the season.
Having been captain of Chelsea since 2019, Hayes said Eriksson will “forever remain a legend” at the club.
Speaking about the impact Eriksson has had, Hayes added: "There are not enough words to describe the impact Magda has had, not just on this football club but on me."
"She has been a wonderful leader, someone who has helped drive the team and its standards to the levels that we're at."
"Chelsea will always be her club, it will always be her home", Hayes said.
Eriksson's team-mate Fran Kirby tweeted to say: "We lose a legend, a captain, someone who gives 100% for the badge and an amazing person."
Meanwhile, Hayes has described Harder as "one of the best attacking players in the world".
That statement is hard to argue with, as the Danish player has scored 44 goals in 79 matches for Chelsea since arriving from Wolfsburg in 2020 for what was, at the time, a women’s world record transer fee of £250,000.
Following the news of her exit, Harder tweeted to say, “To every Chelsea fan around the world. It's been a dream coming true playing for this amazing club and I've loved every single moment along the way.”
“Thanks for your unbelievable support throughout the years. It's been an amazing journey. So much love, Pernille.”
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