A Fresh Start at Arsenal
Chloe Kelly has made a bold and emotional return to Arsenal, the club where she first made her mark as a professional player. The 27-year-old forward, who joined the Gunners on loan from Manchester City on January 30, is determined to move forward from the challenging times she faced at City. Her move to the north London giants came as a surprise, even to herself, as she was practicing her golf swings on transfer deadline day. When Arsenal’s interest became clear, Kelly’s excitement was palpable. "It was out of my hands of what was going to be accepted," she said. "But it was definitely exciting when Arsenal called. This is a club where I grew up, where I learned so much in my trade."
Reconnecting with Familiar Faces
Kelly’s return to Arsenal is not just a reunion with a former club but also a reconnection with some of her closest friends on the pitch. She has joined a number of her England teammates, including Lioness skipper Leah Williams, defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, forward Beth Mead, and striker Alessia Russo. The warm welcome from her new and old team-mates has been a significant boost to her morale. "As soon as I stepped into the changing room, I felt such warmth, and the girls have been incredible," she said. The support from her peers has been crucial as she prepares to make her second debut for the Gunners, possibly in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham.
A Candid Reflection on Tough Times
Kelly’s move to Arsenal came after a period of intense struggle at Manchester City. In a candid and explosive public statement, she expressed her desire to "be happy again" and described her concerns about her "dreams being crushed" due to limited game time. The first five months of the season saw her start in just one WSL fixture, a stark contrast to her 18 top-flight starts in the previous campaign when City finished second in the league. "It’s been tough mentally. It’s been draining at times," she admitted. "But I’m a professional and I hold myself to a high level. I’m ready to move forward now."
Gratitude and Reflection
Despite the challenges, Kelly remains grateful for her time at Manchester City, where she won an FA Cup and a Women’s League Cup. "I’m very grateful for the memories I created at the club and the relationships I built with amazing players," she said. "I went there for success and won a couple of trophies. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to represent the badge." Her loan move to Arsenal, which coincides with the final months of her contract with City, is a chance to rekindle her passion for the game and prove her worth on the pitch.
Aiming for a Comeback
Kelly’s focus is now on regaining a place in the England squad ahead of this year’s Euros. Her journey back to the national team began with a memorable goal in the 2022 Euros final, where her close-range finish sealed a 2-1 victory over Germany in front of a record crowd of 87,192 at Wembley. However, her recent exclusion from the national squad for the Women’s Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain has only fueled her determination. "It’s everyone’s dream to play for England, but it’s not a given," she said. "I need to work and get back on the pitch to show what I’m capable of. Sarina has been incredible throughout the process, and I’m excited to hopefully be at my best here at Arsenal to be able to put the shirt on that I enjoy doing so much."
Looking to the Future
With Sunday’s match against Tottenham at the Emirates, Kelly is eager to make her mark on her return to the WSL. "I’m ready for the fight again and to show what I’m capable of," she said. "I’m really looking forward to stepping out and hearing the noise from our fans. They really get behind the girls, and it’s been amazing to hear them in the last few games." As Arsenal aim to keep their "foot on the gas" in their chase for silverware, Kelly’s return is a significant boost to the team’s ambitions. Her journey from a dark time to a hopeful future is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
