Chelsea signs Australia star Sam Kerr

Chelsea, the winners of the Women’s Super League, announced on Thursday that attacker Sam Kerr has signed a new two-year contract that would keep her with the team through 2026.

The 30-year-old captain of Australia, whose contract was set to expire, joined the London club in 2019 from the Chicago Red Stars and has since scored 99 goals in 128 games.

“It’s really exciting and a very proud moment for me,” Kerr told chelseafc.com. “Having the opportunity to stay at a club like Chelsea means a lot to me.

“I’m really excited to continue to push and to try to win trophies.”

Kerr, Australia’s record goalscorer, has won five WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups at Chelsea.

She is currently sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January, which has also ruled her out of the Olympics in Paris, which start next month.

Kerr has won the WSL Golden Boot twice and was runner-up to Spain’s Aitana Bonmati at the Ballon d’Or awards last year.

Chelsea Women general manager Paul Green said: “We are delighted that Sam has extended her deal with the club.

“Sam is a leader and one of the world’s best strikers and goalscorers. She has been very important to our success, and we look forward to welcoming her back from injury next season.”

In March, Kerr pleased not guilty to a racially aggravated offence against a London police officer.

She is expected to face trial in February next year.