With the second tear-jerking announcement within 24 hours at then end of last week, Fran Kirby announced that she will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the current campaign, marking an end to a trophy laiden, historic nine year spell in West London. 

A hugely recognisable figure and one of the faces of the rapid rise of Women's Football in this country, fans of all clubs will wait with bated breath to see what Kirby's next move could be.

In a tearful interview posted on Saturday morning on Chelsea's Social Media accounts, it struck a chord with all Chelsea fans, that they will see a different number 14 line up next season, in what looks like being a summer and a season of change ahead. 

  • "It's been a magical journey with all of you"

Kirby is one of those players who has been with Chelsea in their rise to the very top of the women's game in England. 

From scoring her first goal at Wheatsheaf Park in Staines on her debut, to being part of the team which sold out Stamford Bridge just a week ago in the UEFA Women's Champions League, Kirby has seen it all in her time in Blue. 

The crowds at the old Wheatsheaf Park are a far cry from the sellouts of Wembley and Stamford Bridge, The Blues number fourteen insists she holds a special memory for her debut and her first blues goal. 

"I still remember it now, actually. When I went through I thought, just do not miss.

"It was the first time I've ever heard a cheer just for me, that's a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life." 

  • A mercurial midfield talent:

As well as being one of the most recognisable faces in the women's game in England, there is no doubting Kirby's mesmerising ability.

A two time Football Writers Association Player of the Year, two time PFS Women's Player's Player of the Year to name but a few of her individual accolades.

2020/2021 was Kirby's best season for Chelsea, no questions asked. 

34 games, 28 goals, 13 assists, a Women's Super League, FA Cup and League Cup treble and helped Chelsea to the UEFA Women's Champions League final for the first time in their history. 

During that season, she won Chelsea's own Player of the Year, the Women's Super League Player of the Season and the PFA Player's Player of the Season in a staggeringly brilliant term for the Blues' Number 14.

Heartbreakingly for Chelsea fans, this campaign was played wholly behind closed doors, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was made even sorer, when Kirby scored twice against Benfica to become Chelsea's all time top goalscorer, passing at the time, Eni Aluko's 68 goal record for The Blues. 

  • A journey bigger than football:

Away from her mesmerising ability to control a football, Fran Kirby's time at Chelsea has been frought with obstacles off the pitch. 

At the start of 2024, something that was covered by numerous outlets was her candid and open discussion surrounding body image, something in which she tirelessly worked to campaign and inspire the next generation of women footballers in England. 

Mental health has also been something that Kirby has been vocal on, due to events in her own life. 

When the star was just 14, her mother, Denise, tragically died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage, which finally caught up with Kirby at 16, falling into a deep depression. 

This impacted a lot of her career with England, espeically whilst at such a young age, there were days, the star admitted she "wouldn't get out of bed", or reach the bus stop and "just break down". 

Kirby was part of the historic European Championship winning side that saw England lift the trophy in 2021, which saw tearful scenes at the end of the game, but also showed the class of her former manager, Kelly Chambers.

The then Reading boss revealed she text Kirby after the final, 'dreams do come true', which sums up the class and the affect Kirby had on so many. 

Alngside her mental health battles, Kirby also had to battle Pericarditis, an illness which could have potentially been career ending for her in November 2019, but managed to recover successfully from it in February 2020, despite having nearly retired as a result. 

It's safe to say, Kirby has faced every possible issue that could have been thrown at her in her career at Chelsea, but showcased just how strong she is, off the pitch.

  • So, where and what next?

It's hard to speculate on the whereabouts of a player such as Kirby. Her career club appearance tally of well over 220 have been for just two clubs. Her hometown side of Reading and Chelsea.

Having plied her trade with just two sides, both in England, it really is a step into the unknown, as much for the watchers and journalists of our game, as it is for Kirby herself. 

At the time of writing, Kirby has just bid her farewell to home fans, after she signed off at Kingsmeadow as part of the stunning 8-0 win over Bristol City, which put the WSL title back in the melting pot. 

Will a drop down the table be likely? Will she make the move abroad, or even across the pond to America?  

What we do know, is that Kirby and the rest of her Chelsea team mates will fight tooth and nail to give themselves their fifth title in a row and boss, Emma Hayes, the most inspired send off.