Millie Bright is a hero, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor | OneFootball

Millie Bright

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor paid tribute to her retiring captain Millie Bright – describing her as a “legend” and a “hero”.

And she added that she was disappointed that Bright would not be able to play again this season for a full farewell.

“A legend is retiring. Millie has done everything for Chelsea. She has been Chelsea through and through,” said Bompastor to the media on Thursday.

“You don’t see that many players stay at a club for more than a decade like she has. She was the main leader for this team for so many years.

“She is an incredible player and has done a lot for the women’s game in England. I hope everyone understands that she will be missed, for sure, on the pitch.

“Playing without Millie has a cost and we knew that. I’m really sad actually because I think a player like Millie should be able to retire playing minutes. She’s given everything and is a real hero.”

Millie Bright should be celebrated, says Bompastor

Bright had told the BBC that she had been suffering intense abuse on social media over the last year, primarily following her decision to step back from selection for England at the 2025 Women’s Euros and her choice to retire from international football.

And Bompastor hit out at the critics, highlighting the way that Bright had played even when not 100 per cent either physically or mentally.

“On the pitch, she was not always fit to perform and play. Even when it was the case, she would always put the team first,” added Bompastor.

“The abuse was just too much. She doesn’t deserve that at all. Everyone should be thinking about celebrating her and recognising how good she was as a player, as a person and everything she brought to the game in England.”