The 33-year-old first joined the Blues in 2012 and spent two seasons with the club before departing to join Bristol Academy in 2014. Sophie returned to Chelsea in 2018 from Liverpool and has been a mainstay of the squad during an unparalleled period of success in the women’s game.

On her time with Chelsea, Ingle said: ‘Chelsea is a special club and since I returned seven years ago, I have felt the support of everyone, both on and off the pitch.

'I’m very proud to have lifted 11 trophies here and am grateful to have done that alongside team-mates who are like family to me.

'We have achieved so much together, but couldn’t have done that without the fans, who I want to thank for always being there with us throughout the journey.’’

The Wales international has helped the Blues win five Women’s Super League titles during her second spell with the club, and added three FA Cups, two League Cups, and the FA Community Shield to her trophy haul.

She was also nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award in 2020 after scoring a stunning goal against Arsenal in the WSL.

Head of women’s football Paul Green added: 'Sophie has been an important part of the success we have had over the last seven years. She’s been instrumental in driving standards on and off the pitch, has been a leader in the dressing room, and has grown immensely as a person across her two spells at the club.

'She will be missed, but we appreciate her desire to explore further playing opportunities once she returns to full fitness, and we wish her every success in that.’

Sophie will remain under contract until she completes her rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

We would like to thank Sophie for her invaluable service throughout her time with Chelsea and wish her every success for her future playing career.