“Its been a dream come true”: Chelsea midfield star confirms departure from club

The 30-year-old midfielder took to social media to confirm her departure from the club today following weeks of speculation.

She becomes the second Chelsea star to reveal she would be leaving the Blues this summer after captain Magdalena Eriksson announced she would be departing at the end of her contract in an emotional open letter to fans.

“To every Chelsea fan around the world. It’s been a dream coming true playing for this amazing club” wrote Harder.

“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” she added in an post on her offcial Twitter account.

Despite missing the bulk of the current campaign with injury, the midfielder has made a significant impact at the business end of the season including a match winning display in Sunday’s FA Cup Final that saw her grab the assist for the only goal of the game.

First joining the club in 2020 for a then world-record fee, the Danish superstar has scored 44 goals in 79 appearances for the club. One of the WSL’s most recognised names, Harder has won two WSL titles, three FA Cups, one Continental Cup and was part of the side that reached the UEFA Champions League Final in 2021.

On the announcement, manager Emma Hayes said: “Pernille is one of the best attacking players in the world and you see all of them qualities day in, day out. She has always been so driven to succeed, to get to the top and to help the team win trophies.

“Although she’s been missed with injury this season, we’ve seen especially in the last few games what qualities she has. I want to place on record my thanks for her brilliant contributions to the team’s success the past few years and I wish her the best for the future.’

She is now widely expected to join German giants Bayern Munich on the expiration of her contract alongside Eriksson.