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England defender Lucy Bronze has joined Women’s Super League champions Chelsea on a free transfer.<\/b><\/p>\n
The 32-year-old, who has signed a two-year contract, left Barcelona after her contact expired last month.<\/p>\n
“To know I\u2019m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal,” said Bronze.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m really excited to be back in England. My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games.<\/p>\n
“I\u2019m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.”<\/p>\n
Bronze has won 23 club trophies, including five Champions League titles and eight domestic league titles, and was part of the England team that won Euro 2022.<\/p>\n
She is Chelsea’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Julia Bartel, Sandy Baltimore and Oriane Jean-Francois, and the most high-profile player to join since Sonia Bompastor succeeded Emma Hayes as manager.<\/p>\n
“Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender,” said Chelsea general manager Paul Green.<\/p>\n
“She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”<\/p>\n
Bronze won three successive Champions League titles with Lyon and two with Barcelona, the most recent as part of the domestic treble last season.<\/p>\n
Chelsea assistant manager Camille Abily was part of the coaching staff when Bronze played at Lyon.<\/p>\n
She was offered a contract extension at Barcelona but was not guaranteed a starting role amid competition from Spain defender Ona Batlle.<\/p>\n
Bronze, who has played for Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City, was named Fifa Best Women’s Player of the Year in 2020.<\/p>\n
She was a key player in the Euro 2022 triumph and helped England reach the World Cup final last year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n