The Australian striker was brought on as a 75th-minute substitute during our 3-1 win over Aston Villa, making her return 634 days after suffering an ACL injury in December 2023.

‘I was really pleased Sam was able to come on for 20 minutes and was even more pleased with the fact she was able to score, because I think it takes the pressure off her going into the future and her next games for the club,' said Bompastor.

Kerr had already suffered the injury when Bompastor first joined Chelsea, but the coach is well aware of what the striker means to the club and the supporters.

‘I think it's wonderful,’ the boss continued. ‘Personally, I'm really pleased, but I think she is also really pleased with that, and you know what Sam represents for Chelsea. For me, she's an idol.

‘We now have this really good story to tell after the game, it's so positive, and gives a lot of confidence to her and the team too.

‘We are all really pleased for her because we all know how tough it was for her, being away from the game and from the pitch for so long. So for her official return, being able to come in, to make an impact in the game and score her 100th goal, I think we are all proud of that.’

While Kerr displays supreme confidence on the pitch, Bompastor explained that she did not expect the Australia international to be so humble away from football.

Those expectations were shattered when the pair first met, and the coach was keen for Kerr to enjoy her big moment in the spotlight.

‘It was a surprise when I first came into Chelsea because when you have these big players, you expect them to be really comfortable,’ Bompastor said. ‘I think Sam is really confident on the pitch, but away from the pitch, he's really shy and reserved.

‘She doesn't like being in front of everyone and getting the limelight, but she really deserves it. I think she needs to enjoy it as well because she's been through tough moments, so when you have positives, you need to celebrate them. I know her family was here, so for her, that's a perfect day.’