Injured Matildas star Sam Kerr has signed a new two-year deal with English Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.
But it came after trolling the football world into believing she was leaving, with one notable Australian reporter speculating on her next destination.
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Chelsea posted a video entitled “A message from Sam Kerr”, with Kerr emotionally talking about her time at the club in the past tense.
“I didn’t know how to have this conversation with you guys, but I think it’s just best saying it,” she quipped, before running through her history.
Then 20 minutes later the club posted another video with Kerr looking at her phone and saying “guys, what’s all this? I’m not leaving!”
Currently sidelined after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in January, Kerr will remain with Chelsea until at least 2026.
“It’s really exciting and a very proud moment for me,” the 30-year-old striker said.
“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.”
Having joined Chelsea in November 2019, Kerr has already helped the club win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield.
Chelsea women’s 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.”
Kerr – who will miss the Matildas’ upcoming Olympic Games campaign – was charged in March with racially aggravated harassment of a London police officer stemming from an incident in January last year.
She has denied the charges, with a trial scheduled for February next year.