Chelsea announce departure of long-serving defender Mjelde | OneFootball

Chelsea have announced the news that long-serving defender Maren Mjelde will leave the club upon the expiry of her contract this summer.

The Blues made the announcement via a post on their official club website a short time ago.

Mjelde has spent seven-and-a-half years with Chelsea after joining the club from Avaldsnes IL in December 2016. She has gone on to gain legendary status whilst playing for The Blues. Mjelde has made 140 appearances in which she has scored 23 goals.

The defender has won 13 trophies with the South West Londoners; those being six Barclays Women’s Super League titles, four Adobe Women’s FA Cups, two FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cups and the FA Women’s Community Shield. Mjelde was also a UEFA Women’s Champions League finalist with the club in 2020/2021.

With Mjelde’s game time having become more limited in recent seasons, the time has come for the player to move on to a new challenge in 2024/2025.

After news of Mjelde’s departure was announced, Chelsea’s general manager, Paul Green said “Maren has been one of our leaders both on and off the pitch. Her experience and quality within the group have been really important.

“She has played a big part in our success, winning 13 trophies in seven years and has contributed some memorable moments, including important goals in European competition.

“She will always be held in the highest regard at Chelsea, and we wish her the best for the future.”

Chelsea have three games left to play this season before Mjelde departs.