Reggae Girl Spence to leave Chelsea after 10-year run
Published:Friday | May 6, 2022 | 12:08 AM
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National midfielder Drew Spence’s long stint at Chelsea will come to an end this season. Spence, 29, announced her departure from the club on Wednesday after 10 years, helping the club to win 11 trophies. Spence had initially signed a contract...
National midfielder Drew Spence’s long stint at Chelsea will come to an end this season.
Spence, 29, announced her departure from the club on Wednesday after 10 years, helping the club to win 11 trophies. Spence had initially signed a contract extension in 2020 until the end of the current season.
A product of Chelsea’s Centre of Excellence, Spence is the club’s longest-serving player, amassing 238 appearances and scoring 50 goals.
Speaking to the club’s website, Spence said that she is proud to have been able to help Chelsea’s ascendency to one of the best clubs in England and on the European continent.
“To be where we are now as one of the best teams in Europe is just amazing, and I am so proud to be a part of it,” Spence said. “The amount of trophies that we have won is just a proud achievement for me.”
Spence has been involved in Chelsea’s domestic success, winning the FA Women’s Super League five times, the FA Cup three times, as well as two Continental League Cups and a Community Shield.
As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, Spence thanked the fans as well as her teammates, who she considered her family.
“It’s been an amazing journey and I am just so proud of everyone. I’ve made family for life. And I just want to say thank you to the fans, all the great friends that I made,” Spence said. “I’m just so proud of everyone, and I can’t wait to be your greatest supporter in the future.”
Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes said that she has been proud to see the growth Spence displayed since taking over the team in 2012.
“Drew has epitomised everything that we have been about in my tenure. She’s watched the club grow from amateur to one of the top teams in Europe, and she’s been instrumental in that journey,” Hayes said.
‘I’ve watched Drew grow from a young player and blossomed as a senior pro. I’m excited for her next steps, she’s fully deserving of everything she’s achieved and again, she will join a group of legends for what she has done at this football club, and I know everyone here will really miss her.’
Spence earned her first international appearance for Jamaica last October during their 0-0 draw with Costa Rica. She has a chance to end her Chelsea career with a domestic double, as they host Manchester United next Sunday in their final league game of the season. A Chelsea win would see them capture their third straight league title. Chelsea are also in the FA Cup final and will face Manchester City and national striker Khadija Shaw on May 15.