San Diego Wave have signed Carly Telford from Chelsea on a permanent transfer ahead of their inaugural NWSL season.
Telford enjoyed two separate spells at Chelsea and this transfer sees her latest stint in West London come to an end after five years, although this move isn’t the 34 year-old’s first foreign club after she spent 2012-13 winter season with Australia’s Perth Glory.
Speaking about the decision to sign her fellow Lioness, Wave FC’s manager and ex England Lionesses player – Casey Stoney said that she was “very pleased” to have familiar experience to her goalkeeping selection.
“I know Carly well and know exactly what she will bring both on the pitch and in our environment. She is a talented, experienced international that will add real strength to our goalkeeping unit. I am looking forward to working with Carly to see what we can achieve together.”
Chelsea Women’s manager, Emma Hayes meanwhile paid tribute to Telford who has helped the club to nine honours in total across her time at the club.
Speaking about the impact that Telford has had upon the club, Hayes said: “Carly has been a fantastic servant to the club across two different spells. A big character in the dressing room and a hugely valued member of our squad.
‘We didn’t want to lose her, but we could not hold her back from taking this fantastic opportunity in the States. We wish Carly well in this next chapter of her career and she knows she’ll always be welcome back here any time.”
Chelsea also issued a statement which read ‘Chelsea thanks Carly for the long and successful service she has given to the club and wishes her all the best in her next venture.’
Telford will attend Chelsea’s rearranged home clash against West Ham on Wednesday 26 January (7pm GMT kick-off) in the Women’s Super League at Kingsmeadow to say farewell to home supporters, with the match set to be televised live on BBC Red Button.