Chelsea have signed French forward, Melvine Malard from Manchester United for £850k.
Malard’s move has brought her three-year spell at Utd to an end in which she scored 23 goals in 95 appearances and was part of their 2023-24 title-winning Women’s FA Cup squad, which came during her season-long loan spell which was made permanent at the end of that season.
“On and off the pitch, I always have a smile,” said Malard on her move as she spoke of her desire to express her energy and is proud to join the Blues, having signed a four-year contract until June 2030 following Chelsea’s £850k offer to Utd which was duly accepted.
“I want to show my energy and also feel the energy around me. When I put on the shirt, I’m proud and I give everything,’ Malard continued.
“But the fans can be sure that I’m here to win trophies and take Chelsea as far as we can go.”
Malard is now reunited with her former Lyon manager, Sonia Bompastor who she considers as “influential” to herself and her family, after she had persuaded Malard’s mother to allow her to move to Lyon aged 14, having previously grown up on Reunion Island.
She went on to score 32 goals in 93 appearances for Lyon in which she helped them achieve four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, three Division One Feminine titles plus two Coupe de France and Trophee des Championnes honours across six seasons amidst a loan at Fleury in 2019-20 season.
“If Sonia had not called my Mum and taken me to Lyon, I would not be here today. She did so much for me when I was at Lyon.
“Now whenever I see Sonia I feel proud because she is the one who told me to come to Lyon in the first place.
“So it is amazing to have the opportunity to join her again. I really wanted to take this opportunity because I love this coach.
“I have never worked under any other coaches who were such big footballers themselves, like Sonia and [assistant coach] Camille Abily were. I love having them as coaches because when you speak to them you know they know what it is like to play at this level.”
The 26-year-old forward added that she believes that Bompastor will help her unlock the next level in her development and potential.
“I think and hope working with Sonia again will help me reach the next level because Sonia knows me. She knows where I can improve and where she needs to push me more. Sonia took me to Lyon when I was 14, so she knows a lot about me.
“Wearing this shirt can bring pressure, but it is good pressure because everyone wants better. Everyone wants to win trophies, improve and progress as a team. It is hard work, but good work.”
Malard also spoke of her ambitions to achieve silverware with Chelsea and enjoy life in London.
‘To become a top striker, win trophies with Chelsea and continue winning because Chelsea have won a lot of trophies over the years. I want to keep that going, enjoy myself and be happy in this city with my wife.”
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