The pair, alongside Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten, formed a strong bond through shared experiences of playing together and winning trophies at Chelsea.

Bright first signed for the Blues in 2015, and was shortly joined by Cuthbert in winter 2016. Reiten then moved to London, joining Chelsea from her native Norway at the start of the 2019/20 campaign, and Kerr completed the quartet when she signed in January of that same season.

While they have enjoyed a long run together in the side, the only constant in football is change. After Reiten's exit to Gotham FC in March, Bright announced her retirement from the sport at the end of April.

'It's obviously sad to see Millie go,' said Kerr, after she became Chelsea's highest ever scorer in the Women's Super League with a goal in the 3-1 win over Leicester City last weekend.

'It's sad to see anyone go, but I think with Millie being the captain, a mainstay at the club – she's been here the whole time I've been here – so it was a difficult one.'

Bright explained in her retirement announcement that she had given all she could over 12 years and 314 appearances for Chelsea. Ultimately, the choice to step away from football had to be hers alone.

And after the Leicester match, Kerr revealed that she had attempted to convince the defender to continue, but understood Bright had made the right choice.

'I've said this to many people, but selfishly, I tried to talk her out of it, as a friend,' continued the Australian. 'But she was ready, and I think that's the nice thing about it, is when you're ready, and it's your decision, it feels really nice.

'I'm sure I'll be in touch with Millie. It's sad to see her go from the club and football, but I'm sure we will stay in touch.'