England Defender Lucy Bronze Joins Chelsea from Barcelona

England defender Lucy Bronze joined Chelsea from Barcelona on a two-year deal. Bronze, a five-time Champions League winner, expressed excitement about returning to England. Known for her leadership and versatility, she has won major titles with clubs and country. Chelsea's general manager praised her experience and winning mentality.

England defender Lucy Bronze joined Chelsea from Barcelona on Wednesday on a two-year deal. Five-time Champions League winner Bronze made the move to the Women's Super League (WSL) champions after two years with Barcelona. "To know I'm a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. It's obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time,'' she said.

Bronze is one of the most successful players in the history of the women's game, having won major titles with clubs and country. The 32-year-old right-back won the European Championship with England in 2022 and was a losing finalist at last year's World Cup. She won three Champions League titles with Lyon and two more with Barcelona. Bronze also earned eight league titles in England, France, and Spain with Liverpool, Manchester City, Lyon, and Barcelona. She was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or award in 2019 and named FIFA Best Women's Player of the Year in 2020. "Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender. She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad," Chelsea general manager Paul Green said.

Chelsea has dominated women's soccer in England and is the five-time defending WSL champion. It was managed by Emma Hayes before she left for the United States Women's National Team at the end of the season. Hayes has been replaced by former Lyon coach Sonia Bompastor.

(With inputs from agencies.)