Chelsea lands Kerr

SAM Kerr will campaign in the European circuit after joining Chelsea. AFP

LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — Australian striker Sam Kerr will test herself at the top level of European football after impressing in her homeland and the United States as she joined Chelsea.

The 26-year-old Matildas captain, who scored five times in this year’s World Cup as the Australians reached the Last 16, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Women’s Super League club.

Kerr, who has been a mainstay at Perth Glory since 2014 while also playing for Chicago Red Stars in the United States, will be available for selection from January.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald last week it is believed Kerr, who also attracted interest from Lyon, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, will earn worth more than $600,000 a year, not including potential bonuses.

However, Kerr — the all-time leading scorer in the Australian and American leagues — said she felt Chelsea were a team that had laid a solid base for winning silverware.

“The WSL is the best league in Europe,” she said.

“I want team success and I don’t want it to come easy.”

“I feel Chelsea have been building something special over the years and I want to be a part of that — I want to lift some trophies.”

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said Kerr’s decision showed that they were a marquee club.

“The fact she chose Chelsea when she could have gone to any club in the world is a testament to the players and the staff here,” Hayes said.

“Sam has proved time and time again in the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League in the USA) that she is a prolific goalscorer.”

“She’s won the golden boot many times and she’s a player that can make things happen, but she’s also a fantastic team player.”

“She saw this as the best place for her to grow and take the next step in her career. That’s a wonderful compliment to us all.”