Niamh Charles has spoken of her joy and excitement at getting to continue going from strength to strength alongside her Chelsea Women team-mates after signing a new contract with the club.
The full-back has become an important member of the Chelsea Women team since joining the Blues from Liverpool in 2020, combining defensive solidity with a potent attacking threat at the other end of the pitch.
That has seen Niamh Charles contribute to our incredible run of three successive Women’s Super League and Women’s FA Cup doubles, also lifting the Continental League Cup in a trophy filled first three seasons in west London.
After signing her new contract with Chelsea, she is excited by the prospect of helping secure even more success for the Blues in the future.
‘I can’t wait for the next few years,’ said Charles. ‘I feel at home here and I feel the pride in playing for Chelsea and what we stand for, what we’re about. There’s still lots to be achieved here and we can get better and better. I wanted to be a part of that.
‘Since I’ve been here, I would probably describe it as a massive growth learning curve. It’s been challenging but it’s everything I’ve wanted since I came to Chelsea. I’ve grown a lot as a player and as a person. Hopefully that continues in the next few years.’
The 24-year-old defender also explained why the team spirit within the squad and her close bond with her fellow Blues is a big part of the reason she is so excited to commit her future to Chelsea.
‘I remember some times when our backs have been against the walls and we’ve managed to grind out a win, or we’ve ended up winning a trophy, and what I love is when you go back to the changing room and celebrate with your team-mates.
‘We spend days and days together on the training pitch that no-one sees, working really hard. To see it paying off like that, you can’t buy those moments.
‘I love playing football with them but I also love hanging out with them all the time, so I’m excited to come to work every day and see their faces and hopefully create a lot more memories, on the pitch and also off the pitch.’
Niamh saved the last word for the Blues fans who cheer her and her team-mates on at Kingsmeadow, Stamford Bridge and on the road in England and Europe, sharing her appreciation for their fantastic support.
‘To the fans, I’ll just say thank you so much for your support so far. I’ve really enjoyed playing in front of you and I feel a lot of pride when I pull on the shirt and I really appreciate you.’
The feeling is mutual Niamh, and those supporters can now look forward to seeing our flying full-back continue to excel in the Chelsea shirt until at least 2027. We can’t wait either!
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